The Power of Enlightenment
Chinese Zen Poems
In the 1,600 years that have elapsed since the arrival of Indian Buddhism in China during the Han and Jin dynasties, Buddhist monks and scholars have integrated the essence of Zen Buddhist thought with the classical forms of Chinese literature to create over 30,000 simple, lively poems of deep moral significance. Their authors convey and understanding of Zen, of its practice, or of the knowledge gained through meditation, they promote its philosophical principles and display its interest. The poems are widely known, long lived and much loved. In this collection Professor Wu Yansheng has selected 66 classic poems by 54 historical scholars or monks.
Professor Wu Yansheng holds doctorates in literature and philosophy and is currently Director of the Institute of Buddhist Studies and professor and supervisor of doctoral candidates at Shaanxi Normal University. He is also editor-in-chief of Chinese Zen Studies. His publications include the Zen trilogy: The Origins of Zen Thought, Philosophical Symbols of the Zen School and The Realm of Poetry and Verse in the Zen School, all published in 2001, Chinese Zen: A Path to Peace and Happiness and more than a dozen other works. He has also edited, amongst others in A Conversation between Buddhism and Christianity (2005).
