The Record of Empty Hall: One Hundred Classic Koans

by Xutang Zhiyu

A fresh translation and commentary on a classic collection of 100 koans from thirteenth-century China. The Record of Empty Hall was written by Xutang Zhiyu (1185-1269), an important figure in Chinese Linji Chan (Japanese Rinzai Zen) Buddhism and in its transmission to Japan. Although previously little-known in the West, Xutang's work is on par with the other great koan collections of the era, such as The Blue Cliff Record and Book of Serenity.Translated by Zen teacher Dosho Port from the original Chinese, The Record of Empty Hall opens new paths into the earthiness, humor, mystery, and multiplicity of meaning that are at the heart of koan inquiry. Inspired by the pithy, frank tone of Xutang's originals, Port also offers his own commentaries on the koans, helping readers to see the modern and relatable applications of these thirteenth-century encounter stories. Readers familiar with koans will recognize key figures, such as Bodhidharma, Nanquan, and Zhaozhou and will also be introduced to teaching icons not found in other koan collections. Through his commentaries, as well as a glossary of major figures and an appendix detailing the cases, Port not only opens up these remarkable koans but also illuminates their place in ancient Chinese, Japanese, and contemporary Zen practice.

Genres: Zen, Buddhism

315 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 2, 2021

Reviews

[Malik Salam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really readable collection of Koans. Dosho Roshi does a great job leading us into this world. He shows us the markers and the situation, elucidates any context specific discrepancies when necessary then leaves us exactly where you need to be without saying too much. The personal touches he shares about his training, his wife, his dog, and his life at the zendo make these a door into the intimacy of zen training. I will definitely come back to these in a little while.