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Bankei Zen: Translations from the Record of Bankei
The eccentric Bankei (1622-1693) has long been an underground hero in the world of Zen. At a time when Zen was becoming overly formalized in Japan, he stressed its relevance to everyday life, insisting on the importance of naturalness and spontaneity. This volume presents his teachings–as refreshing and iconoclastic today as they were three hundred years ago–in a fluent translation by Peter Haskel, accompanied by a vivid account of Bankei’s life and times, illustrations, and extensive notes for the scholar.
232 pages, Paperback
First published January 23, 1989
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 30, 2025
In 2007, my soul was roughly and rancorously submerged in the grim detritus of burnout. All my hopes had evaporated.
Defeated, I then bought this book...
And it spoke volumes to my dead soul.
Why? Because this iconoclastic monk, who had absorbed himself in the free association of self observation - all on his own - had realised his True Self was UNBORN.
Its Kingdom was not of this world, being Primitive.
It had always been stored up deep inside himself.
And was therefore Inviolable by the World.
***
It’s like Bertie Wooster and Jeeves.
Jeeves SEES THROUGH Wooster’s ever-so-polite prevarications.
So, in essence, with the Jeeves books P.G. Wodehouse RAKES US ALL OVER THE COALS.
To him we are a Bunch of Polite Phonies!
But find your true self like Bankei and you’ll NEVER be phony.
***
When my boss used cutting irony upon my efforts, aided and abetted by a senior officer who shoulda known better (rather than being in turn silly) -
In my dog-eat-dog workplace chock fulla bitterly acidic verbal spats -
I now saw my somewhat innocent soul had been Violated:
In an Ironic Effort to Gentrify it.
But get this: its Unborn Centre was still supernaturally sacrosanct -
And thus Undisturbed.
And that was to be the Root of my Recovery.
***
That is why I know now that the Almighty Spirit of Judgement has always lived unmolested in the centre of me -
Totally Undisturbed by this cantankerously vicious and ugly world.
You see, He knows us on our INSIDE as well as He knows our outer failings.
And why not?
He LIVES there.
He’s Totally Himself!
For He is Who IS.
Defeated, I then bought this book...
And it spoke volumes to my dead soul.
Why? Because this iconoclastic monk, who had absorbed himself in the free association of self observation - all on his own - had realised his True Self was UNBORN.
Its Kingdom was not of this world, being Primitive.
It had always been stored up deep inside himself.
And was therefore Inviolable by the World.
***
It’s like Bertie Wooster and Jeeves.
Jeeves SEES THROUGH Wooster’s ever-so-polite prevarications.
So, in essence, with the Jeeves books P.G. Wodehouse RAKES US ALL OVER THE COALS.
To him we are a Bunch of Polite Phonies!
But find your true self like Bankei and you’ll NEVER be phony.
***
When my boss used cutting irony upon my efforts, aided and abetted by a senior officer who shoulda known better (rather than being in turn silly) -
In my dog-eat-dog workplace chock fulla bitterly acidic verbal spats -
I now saw my somewhat innocent soul had been Violated:
In an Ironic Effort to Gentrify it.
But get this: its Unborn Centre was still supernaturally sacrosanct -
And thus Undisturbed.
And that was to be the Root of my Recovery.
***
That is why I know now that the Almighty Spirit of Judgement has always lived unmolested in the centre of me -
Totally Undisturbed by this cantankerously vicious and ugly world.
You see, He knows us on our INSIDE as well as He knows our outer failings.
And why not?
He LIVES there.
He’s Totally Himself!
For He is Who IS.
December 4, 2013
This is one of two translations of the Record of Bankei that I know of. The record of this Japanese Zen Buddhist teacher is a collection of sayings from his dharma talks or sermons. He lived and taught in the 17th Century, being born in 1622 (the Jamestown settlement in North America was in 1607 to put him in Western historical perspective).
Bankei was a renegade -- a teacher of the Rinzai tradition, but who transcended all labels. Peter Haskel's translation is superb. Technically it is no different than the other translation I own (translated by Norman Waddell), but somehow in Haskel's translation I get a portrait of Bankei that seems clearer to me than in the other-- the spirit of Bankei seems to be more clearly re-presented. He was far ahead of his time, seen especially in his concern for women's rights and in his efforts to make Zen accessible to working people such as farmers and housewives. The intelligentsia considered these folks to be too ignorant to understand the subtleties of their religion. Bankei clearly considered the intelligentsia to be too enamored of themselves to truly understand what they pretended to teach. His concept of "abiding in the Buddha Mind" is one of the most powerful teaching devices I've encountered in Buddhist writings.
I fell in love with this rascally, devout, often irreverent, and totally compassionate old teacher of Buddhism. He transcends Buddhism. Even though he is generally recognized as one of three greatest Japanese teachers -- the others being Dogen (who died several centuries before Bankei was born) and Hakuin (who was born just before Bankei died), he is really a teacher of all humanity. There are not enough stars to give this book.
Bankei was a renegade -- a teacher of the Rinzai tradition, but who transcended all labels. Peter Haskel's translation is superb. Technically it is no different than the other translation I own (translated by Norman Waddell), but somehow in Haskel's translation I get a portrait of Bankei that seems clearer to me than in the other-- the spirit of Bankei seems to be more clearly re-presented. He was far ahead of his time, seen especially in his concern for women's rights and in his efforts to make Zen accessible to working people such as farmers and housewives. The intelligentsia considered these folks to be too ignorant to understand the subtleties of their religion. Bankei clearly considered the intelligentsia to be too enamored of themselves to truly understand what they pretended to teach. His concept of "abiding in the Buddha Mind" is one of the most powerful teaching devices I've encountered in Buddhist writings.
I fell in love with this rascally, devout, often irreverent, and totally compassionate old teacher of Buddhism. He transcends Buddhism. Even though he is generally recognized as one of three greatest Japanese teachers -- the others being Dogen (who died several centuries before Bankei was born) and Hakuin (who was born just before Bankei died), he is really a teacher of all humanity. There are not enough stars to give this book.
October 5, 2015
A great master speaks through 400 years in a direct and contemporary way directly to our inner nature. Highly recommended.
May 23, 2016
Somewhat of a broken record. Dig the Unborn, and you're set.
October 2, 2018
Bankei was one of those who didn't waste time with flowery prose, as befitting a Zen teacher, and this translation of some key texts of his is framed in a fittingly conversational style. I'll be tracking down more of his work where I can, as it's a good complement to the viewpoint found in the likes of "The Teachings Of Huang Po", a favorite of mine.
February 24, 2023
Reading this, I can see why Suzuki Roshi listed Bankei (Rinzai Zen, Japan, 1622-93) as one of the three foremost teachers in the history of Zen: along with Dōgen and Hakuin. This ranks as one of the most enjoyable, inspiring, and applicable-for-nonmonastic Buddhist reads among all I have studied. Bankei found what Zen had become did not work for him, nor for most persons.
I much appreciate this work, partly because I am an "unofficial" Zen devotee - whatever that is -, not being able to relate to the more ceremonial garb it is usually packaged in. To Bankei, like with me, it distracts from the simplicity of Dharma (I would not conclude it is distracting for others, however). Persons who follow the Dharma but cannot relate to the Zen of the zendos and institutionalized sanghas would find this work an encouragement.
Simply, Zen is wisdom, not essentially a religion, an institution, a ritual, a dogma, or even a spirituality. Zen is not even Zen. One might say Bankei's Zen is much like Quakerism in its relationship to institutionalized, ceremonial, human-authority-led Christianity - a reductionistic approach, seeking to strip away all non-essentials and accretions to better assist in listening inwardly to the native Truth.
One danger in this reductionism, however, is that some accretions to a tradition arose as wise, tested means. Also, Bankei's reductionism, one could contend, is suited to his personality, but it might not work for everyone.
Bankei's work has only recently been revived, likely due to his non-compliant, unorthodox approach to more ornate, even demanding - at times harsh-, expressions of Zen. For example, Bankei did away with the hitting of students and the yelling. And - Is it possible that the simple, obvious Truth is more demanding for us to accept than the adoption of revered, sanctioned means to struggle for years, maybe lifetimes, to see what is staring one in the face already and always? Bankei sought to help persons avoid all detours to what they already were, for he had discovered how ineffectual those spiritual acrobatics were for him.
His teaching comes from his personality - even as a child, he was a maverick (I recommend reading the closing biography first) - and approach to all of life. He simplified Zen, disrobing it of esotericism and the rigors and elitism often associated with Buddhism - as well as other paths. He, likewise, abandoned and criticized koan study, believing the present situation with a student provided the koan for study. He pointed out that such living, on-the-spot contexts were the original setting of koans. Bankei minimalized ceremony, even the necessity of sitting meditation for enlightenment, but he did encourage zazen. His Zen could be termed minimalistic.
For Bankei, anyone could immediately awaken by a shift to abiding in the Unborn Buddha Mind. This Mind is like a mirror, reflecting all human experiences. Our place is to get the ego - in its pejorative sense - out of the way and trust the wisdom of the Unborn. He taught we are born with this Buddha Mind. It is our natural self. Delusion arose from outside us, after birth. Hence, we need only return to embrace that original self and abide.
This reading reminded me of how the spiritual path I finally chose reflects my self, even as Bankei shaped Bankei's teaching and practice. Likewise, it inspired me to affirm a wise observation of how easily sanctioned nonessentials come to be revered as the Way, when they are only means that might or might not help. Finally, it affirmed for me to beware of religious and spiritual authoritarianism in all forms, for in devoting to such, we easily fail to listen to the intangible Truth speaking here-and-now.
I much appreciate this work, partly because I am an "unofficial" Zen devotee - whatever that is -, not being able to relate to the more ceremonial garb it is usually packaged in. To Bankei, like with me, it distracts from the simplicity of Dharma (I would not conclude it is distracting for others, however). Persons who follow the Dharma but cannot relate to the Zen of the zendos and institutionalized sanghas would find this work an encouragement.
Simply, Zen is wisdom, not essentially a religion, an institution, a ritual, a dogma, or even a spirituality. Zen is not even Zen. One might say Bankei's Zen is much like Quakerism in its relationship to institutionalized, ceremonial, human-authority-led Christianity - a reductionistic approach, seeking to strip away all non-essentials and accretions to better assist in listening inwardly to the native Truth.
One danger in this reductionism, however, is that some accretions to a tradition arose as wise, tested means. Also, Bankei's reductionism, one could contend, is suited to his personality, but it might not work for everyone.
Bankei's work has only recently been revived, likely due to his non-compliant, unorthodox approach to more ornate, even demanding - at times harsh-, expressions of Zen. For example, Bankei did away with the hitting of students and the yelling. And - Is it possible that the simple, obvious Truth is more demanding for us to accept than the adoption of revered, sanctioned means to struggle for years, maybe lifetimes, to see what is staring one in the face already and always? Bankei sought to help persons avoid all detours to what they already were, for he had discovered how ineffectual those spiritual acrobatics were for him.
His teaching comes from his personality - even as a child, he was a maverick (I recommend reading the closing biography first) - and approach to all of life. He simplified Zen, disrobing it of esotericism and the rigors and elitism often associated with Buddhism - as well as other paths. He, likewise, abandoned and criticized koan study, believing the present situation with a student provided the koan for study. He pointed out that such living, on-the-spot contexts were the original setting of koans. Bankei minimalized ceremony, even the necessity of sitting meditation for enlightenment, but he did encourage zazen. His Zen could be termed minimalistic.
For Bankei, anyone could immediately awaken by a shift to abiding in the Unborn Buddha Mind. This Mind is like a mirror, reflecting all human experiences. Our place is to get the ego - in its pejorative sense - out of the way and trust the wisdom of the Unborn. He taught we are born with this Buddha Mind. It is our natural self. Delusion arose from outside us, after birth. Hence, we need only return to embrace that original self and abide.
This reading reminded me of how the spiritual path I finally chose reflects my self, even as Bankei shaped Bankei's teaching and practice. Likewise, it inspired me to affirm a wise observation of how easily sanctioned nonessentials come to be revered as the Way, when they are only means that might or might not help. Finally, it affirmed for me to beware of religious and spiritual authoritarianism in all forms, for in devoting to such, we easily fail to listen to the intangible Truth speaking here-and-now.
January 5, 2022
This collection of sermons, notes, poems, and letters from the Zen monk Bankei present his iconoclastic views on Buddhism. Bankei’s central teaching revolves around a state of mind that calls Unborn Buddha Mind. The Unborn Buddha Mind isn’t defined neatly (perhaps it can’t be,) though Bankei does refer to the capacity to perceive without consciously directing one’s attention – that is, to achieve spontaneous perception of a sensory input without the error that one might experience in thought, when one’s mind is analyzing and judging.
Bankei presented a distinctive countercultural view, both religiously and culturally. In terms of the teachings and philosophy of Zen, this is most clearly seen in his rejection of many of Zen’s primary methods – e.g. koan (Zen “riddles”) and mondo (a conversational Q&A technique.) Even those techniques Bankei doesn’t reject (e.g. Zazen, seated meditation,) he does deemphasize in contrast to a more workaday focus. Culturally, one can see the difference of Bankei’s approach in his rejection of consensus views of the time, such as that women can’t achieve enlightenment.
The book uses stories, straightforward statements, and poetry to convey a unique approach to practice. The book can be a bit dry and repetitive. (The were different media – e.g. sermons and letters – discussing the same teachings, such that one would expect the same ideas to be revisited.) That said, if you’re interested in Zen and mindfulness, there is much to be learned via this book. There are even a few teachings directed towards martial artists, and how they can apply the lessons of Zen.
Bankei presented a distinctive countercultural view, both religiously and culturally. In terms of the teachings and philosophy of Zen, this is most clearly seen in his rejection of many of Zen’s primary methods – e.g. koan (Zen “riddles”) and mondo (a conversational Q&A technique.) Even those techniques Bankei doesn’t reject (e.g. Zazen, seated meditation,) he does deemphasize in contrast to a more workaday focus. Culturally, one can see the difference of Bankei’s approach in his rejection of consensus views of the time, such as that women can’t achieve enlightenment.
The book uses stories, straightforward statements, and poetry to convey a unique approach to practice. The book can be a bit dry and repetitive. (The were different media – e.g. sermons and letters – discussing the same teachings, such that one would expect the same ideas to be revisited.) That said, if you’re interested in Zen and mindfulness, there is much to be learned via this book. There are even a few teachings directed towards martial artists, and how they can apply the lessons of Zen.
January 30, 2021
Overwhelming.
I started my discovery of ZEN after my military experience in Vietnam. PTSD riddled and "lost" I was given the book "ZEN Mind Beginner's Mind" (Shunryu Suzuki) in the mid 70s by my Japanese brother-in-law. Since then I have read many books on ZEN Buddhism. This one ranks among the best.
You owe it to yourself to read this book ... Including and especially the section at the end after all the footnotes.
I started my discovery of ZEN after my military experience in Vietnam. PTSD riddled and "lost" I was given the book "ZEN Mind Beginner's Mind" (Shunryu Suzuki) in the mid 70s by my Japanese brother-in-law. Since then I have read many books on ZEN Buddhism. This one ranks among the best.
You owe it to yourself to read this book ... Including and especially the section at the end after all the footnotes.
September 29, 2020
Bankei's unique style of zen is so simple yet beautiful. Few buddhist texts have helped me as much as this. I even recommended it to a non-religious friend and he's finding it very useful so yeah, extremely recommended especially if you're going through some hard times
August 5, 2021
Useful ...
This book presents an approach to living. If you have been trying the mindfulness approach, you will find these teachings new and useful.
This book presents an approach to living. If you have been trying the mindfulness approach, you will find these teachings new and useful.
February 20, 2021
Sudden Enlightenment that you could carry with you not just in practice, but in everyday daily life.
Sidetracked? simply abide (back) to it.
Sidetracked? simply abide (back) to it.
December 26, 2023
“Today too the crows go kaa-kaa, the sparrows chuu chuu, and I haven’t anything different to say myself.” (75)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2015
Utter nonsense.
This probably shouldn't be the first book you read about Buddhism, but it was my first encounter with anything Buddhist. I didn't read it with love or affection, so I am sure I missed all the wonder and nuance. It was the same old double talk and non answer that you get in many religions. At least he told people not to worry so much and trust themselves, that was probably revolutionary in itself.
This probably shouldn't be the first book you read about Buddhism, but it was my first encounter with anything Buddhist. I didn't read it with love or affection, so I am sure I missed all the wonder and nuance. It was the same old double talk and non answer that you get in many religions. At least he told people not to worry so much and trust themselves, that was probably revolutionary in itself.
January 21, 2014
A truly refreshing book, revealing a buddhist practice of immediacy that speaks directly to your intuition. Just let the words point the Way, without reifying. Suddenly, you will feel refreshed!
November 7, 2024
Great Zen.
Abide in the Unborn Buddha Mind!
Abide in the Unborn Buddha Mind!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews