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The Illusory Man
Translation into English of Zhongfeng Mingben's "Illusory Abode Instructions" (幻住家訓). From the
The “Illusory Abode” is both Mingben’s dwelling, the name he used for anywhere he was living, as well as Mingben’s name for his own
After ten days of being ill, there was someone who came to call on the Master. The Master said, “As for the Abode of Illusory Abiding— the roof leaks, the sides have holes, the fence is caving in, and the walls are collapsing. I cannot live here long!” He spoke and smiled as usual. (Heller, 2014, p.57)
This text is his instruction on the matter of Zen, whatever that might be.
The “Illusory Abode” is both Mingben’s dwelling, the name he used for anywhere he was living, as well as Mingben’s name for his own
After ten days of being ill, there was someone who came to call on the Master. The Master said, “As for the Abode of Illusory Abiding— the roof leaks, the sides have holes, the fence is caving in, and the walls are collapsing. I cannot live here long!” He spoke and smiled as usual. (Heller, 2014, p.57)
This text is his instruction on the matter of Zen, whatever that might be.
96 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 12, 2024
The first of it’s kind and a great starting point into the discussion of what Mingben actually taught.
The translation is clear and very readable. If there are any complaints I’d advice anyone who has them and be specific, so that the Zen community as a whole can start the process of doing a second version with all the corrections. If someone is not specific and just complains that the translator is not a native Chinese speaker, then we know they don’t have a real complaint about the text. They just don’t like the fact that it is now available to millions of English speaking people for a very low price.
As the text says, this is an importan book because it gives us a glimpse into what Zen in China looked well after Dogen invented his meditation sect and stole the name Zen (Chan) from the Chinese. Can’t recommend this book enough.
The translation is clear and very readable. If there are any complaints I’d advice anyone who has them and be specific, so that the Zen community as a whole can start the process of doing a second version with all the corrections. If someone is not specific and just complains that the translator is not a native Chinese speaker, then we know they don’t have a real complaint about the text. They just don’t like the fact that it is now available to millions of English speaking people for a very low price.
As the text says, this is an importan book because it gives us a glimpse into what Zen in China looked well after Dogen invented his meditation sect and stole the name Zen (Chan) from the Chinese. Can’t recommend this book enough.
March 14, 2024
A completely worthless "translation" from a "translator" who freely admits to being ignorant of the language they are "translating" from. A total waste of the digital ink it isn't printed on and an utter embarrassment.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews