The Book of Equanimity: Illuminating Classic Zen Koans. By Gerry Shishin Wick. Foreword by Bernie Glassman. Boston, Wisdom Publications, 2005. Recommended reading list, list of names index, 331 pages. ISBN: 9780861713875.

Shoyoroku (E. Book of Serenity, C. Ts’ung-jung lu) Online version of the Book of Serenity. Congrong Lu.
A collection of 100 koans, originally compiled in the 12th century by Wanshi Shogaku (C. Hung-chih Cheng-chüeh).

Book of Equanimity - Wikipedia 100 Cases. Compiled by Wangsong Zingxiu (1166-1246), and first published in 1224. The book comprises a collection of 100 koans written by the Chan Buddhist master Hongzhi Zengjue (1091-1157), together with commentaries by Wansong. Wansong's compilation is the only surviving source for Hongzhi's koans.

Buddhism: Bibliography, Links, Information, Resources. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo.

Zen Buddhist Koans and Information: https://www.egreenway.com/buddhism/koansdup1.htm By Michael P. Garofalo.

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collection

Cracking the Code of the Zen Koan: A Five Volume Zen Koan Anthology. Compiled by Stephen Wolinsky. E-Kindle Book, 2021, 676 pages.  VSCL, Kindle E-Book.

Zen Koans: Indexes, Bibliography, Research, Commentary. By Michael P. Garofalo.

Daodejing (DDJ) Tao Te Ching

Entangling Vines 272 Koans Collection (ENT)

Entangling Vines: A Classic Collection of Zen Koans. Translated and annotated by Thomas Yūhō Kirchner. Foreword by Nelson Foster. Introduction by Ueda Shizuteru. Boston, Wisdom Publications, 2013. Index, bibliography, charts, 338 pages. ISBN: 9781614290773. A collection of 272 koans by Japanese Rinzai Zen masters and scholars called the Shūmon kattōshŭ (Entangling Vines) dating from 1689. Invaluable and unique biographies of the Teacher/Authors of all the Koans in the Entangling Vines Collection. Extensive and detailed index on pages 312-338. Bibliography on pp. 304-312. Charts of the names or Teacher/Persons using Pinyin Romanization of Mandarin Chinese, Wade-Giles Romanization of Mandarin Chinese, and Romanization of Japanese, and Chinese characters for all indexes. Informative notes by Thomas Kircher for the 272 Koans. VSCL, Kindle E-Book and Paperback. All references to pages in the indexed documents are from this book.

Subject Index to Cases in the Entangling Vines Koan Collection. Indexed by Michael P. Garofalo. First Draft, June 15, 2023, PDF, 58 pages.

The Essential Teachings of Zen Master Hakuin  Translated by Norman Waddell.  Shambhala Dragon Edtion.  A translation of Sokkō-roku Kaien-fusetsu.  Boston, Shambhala, 1994.  Notes, index, 137 pages.  ISBN: 0877739722.  Hakuin was a painter, calligrapher, and Zen master who lived from 1686-1769.

F

The Fireplace Records (TFR)

The Fireplace Records: Index of Chapter Titles. Links to the Cloud Hands Blog Posts. By Michael P. Garofalo. 40 Chapters as of 11/10/2023.

Cloud Hands Blog Posts of the Fireplace Records. The Cloud Hands Blog posts of The Fireplace Records include illustrations, photographs, book covers, paintings, links to resources, reading suggestions, comments, capping verses, notes, asides, and a Google Translate drop-down menu. By Michael P. Garofalo.

The Fireplace Records (Text) Version. All Chapters of the Fireplace Records in one hypertext file. By Michael P. Garofalo.
A work in progress. When finished, after 50 Chapters are completed, it will be published as a PDF file or as a paperback book.
Does not include the graphical elements of the Cloud Hands Blog version. Includes a Google Translate drop-down menu.

Subject Index to 40 Chapters of The Fireplace Records. November 10, 2023. PDF, 14 pages.

Numerical Order List of 40 Chapters from The Fireplace Records. November 10, 2023. PDF, 2 pages.

Alphabetical Order List of 40 Chapters from The Fireplace Records. November 10, 2023. PDF, 2 pages.

Fireplaces, Kitchens, Stoves, Campfires, Ovens, Pots, Kettles, Wood, BBQ
Literary reflections and flashes of insight around the fireplace
Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo

Quotations: Light, Sun, Fire, Sunshine, Heat, Vision Shadows, Shade, Flames

G

The Garden of Flowers and Weeds: A New Translation and Commentary on the Blue Cliff Record. By Matthew Juksan Sullivan. Monkfish Pubs., 2021, 580 pages. VSCL, Hardbound.

Garofalo, Michael P. Brief Biography

Buddhism: Bibliography, Links, Information, Resources. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo.

Gateless Gate GB Gateless Barrier 48 Cases Buddhist Text Authority:

The Gateless Gate: The Classic Book of Zen Koans. Translated with commentary and notes by Koun Yamada Roshi. Wisdom Publications, Somerville, MA, 2004, 2015, 301 pages. Numberous Appendices, Japanese-Chinese Name List, Essays. ISBN:978-0-86171-382-0. VSCL, Paperback.

Indexing by Michael P. Garofalo

Subject Index for the 48 Cases in the Gateless Barrier (GB). Second Draft, August 12, 2023, 20 Pages, PDF.

Alphabetical List of the 48 Case Titles in the Gateless Barrier (GB) Second Draft, August 12, 2023, 3 Pages, PDF.

List of Cases by the 48 Case Numbers for the Gateless Barrier (GB) Second Draft, August 12, 2023, 3 Pages, PDF.

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collection

The Gateless Gate: The Classic Book of Zen Koans  Commentary and translation by Koun Yamada. Foreword by Ruben L. F. Habito. Wisdom Publications, 2004. 336 pages. ISBN: 9780861713820. "In The Gateless Gate, one of modern Zen Buddhism's uniquely influential masters offers classic commentaries on the Mumonkan, one of Zen's greatest collections of teaching stories. This translation was compiled with the Western reader in mind, and includes Koan Yamada's clear and penetrating comments on each case. Yamada played a seminal role in bringing Zen Buddhism to the West from Japan, going on to be the head of the Sanbo Kyodan Zen Community." VSCL, Paperback. I used this book to prepare the First Draft (March 25, 2023) of indexing for the Gateless Gate; indexing stored in the GB database (GB = Gateless Barrier or Gateless Gate).

The Gateless Barrier: Zen Comments on the Mumonkan. By Zenkai Shibayama. Shibayama Roshi (1894-1974). Translated by Sumiko Kudo. Introduction by Shibayama Roshi. Preface by Kenneth W. Morgan, Colgate University. Boston, Shambhala, 2000. Glossary, index, 361 pages. ISBN: 9781570627262.  "For more than seven centuries the Mumonkan (Gateless Barrier) has been used in Zen monasteries to train monks and to encourage the religious development of lay Buddhists. It contains forty- eight koans, or spiritual riddles, that must be explored during the course of Zen training. Shibayama Zenkei (1894-1974), an influential Japanese Zen teacher and calligrapher who traveled and lectured throughout the United States in the 60s and 70s, offers his own commentary alongside the classic text. The Gateless Barrier remains an essential text for all serious students of Buddhism."  These lectures (Teisho) on the Gateless Barrier were given at Colgate University in 1974. VSCL, Paperback.

Gateless Gate. Translated by Joan Sutherland Roshi and John Tarrant Roshi. "Edited by Joan Sutherland Based on the translations of Shibayama Zenkei (Zen Comments on the Mumonkan), Yamada Koun (Gateless Gate), and Robert Aitken (The Gateless Barrier).

Gateless Gate or Gateless Barrier, Compiled by Mumon in 1228 CE, Mumonkan, Wúménguān   無門關

Gateless Gate, Six English Translations, Terebess Online

Passing Through the Gateless Barrier: Koan Practice for Real Life. By Guo Gu. Shambhala, 2016, 440 pages. VSCL, Paperback.

Gateless Gate, Online Text in English and Chinese Characters

Gateless Gate, Online Text, in English, Transcribed by Nyogen Senzaki (1876–1958) & Paul Reps (1895–1990) in 1934, in "Zen Flesh, Zen Bones," pp. 109-161.

Buddhism: Bibliography, Links, Information, Resources. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo.

Gateless Gateway Joan Sutherland Roshi

Gateless Barrier - Wkipedia

Mumonkan. Translation and commentary by Reginald Horace Blyth. Title: Zen and Zen Classics, Volume Four: Momonkan. Hokuseido Press, 1966. This is a rare and expensive book in 2023.

The Gateless Barrier: The Wu-Men Kuan (Mumonkan). Translated with commentary by Robert Aitken. North Point Press, 1991, 325 pages. Bibliography, Notes, Glossary, Chinese-Japanese Name Lists. "The Gateless Barrier is generally acknowledged to be the fundamental koan collection in the literature of Zen. Gathered together by Wu-men (Mumon), a thirteenth-century master of the Lin-chi (Rinzai) school, it is composed of forty-eight koans, or cases, each accompanied by a brief comment and poem by Wu-men. Robert Aitken (1971-2010), one of the premier American Zen masters, has translated Wu-men's text, supplementing the original with his own commentary -- the first such commentary by a Western master -- making the profound truths of Zen Buddhism accessible to serious contemporary students and relevant to current social concerns." VSCL, Paperback. I used this book to prepare the Second Draft draft of indexing for the Gateless Gate; indexing stored in the GB database (GB = Gateless Barrier or Gateless Gate). Second Draft on August 12, 2023

Zen Buddhism: A History. By Heinrich Dumoulin, S.J. Translated by James W. Heisig and Paul Knitter. Two Volumes.

Texts Used for Indexing:

Zen Buddhism: A History, Volume 1, India and China. By Heinrich Dumoulin, S.J.. Translated by James W. Heisig and Paul Knitter. Nazan Studies in Religion and Culture. New York, Macmillan Pub. Co., 1988, appendices, indexes, 349 pages. VSCL, paperback. Brown Cover.

Zen Buddhism: A History, Volume 2, Japan. By Heinrich Dumoulin, S.J.. Translated by James W. Heisig and Paul Knitter. Nazan Studies in Religion and Culture. New York, Macmillan Pub. Co., 1990, appendices, indexes, 509 pages. VSCL, paperback. Green Cover.

Subject Index to Zen Buddhism: A History by Heinrich Dumoulin. PDF, March 10, 2024, 30 pages. Indexing by Michael P. Garofalo.

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collection

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Subject Index to 1,546 Taoist Lessons, Chapters, Stories

Subject Index to 813 Stoic Lessons, Discourses, and Letters

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collections

Brief Spiritual Lessons and Koans Project Homepage PDF

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collection

Introduction to Zen Training (SOG)

Subject Index to Introduction to Zen Training (SOG)

Introduction to Zen Training: A Physical Approach to Meditation and Mind-Body Training. By Omori Sogen. Foreword by Sayama Daian and Michael Kangen. Introduction by Trevor Leggett. Omori Sogen Totaishi (1904-1994). Tuttle, 1996, 2020. Index, glossary, lineage charts, 265 pages. VSCL, Paperback.

Omori Sogen (1904-1994) Japanese Rinzai Master (1904-1994) was a Japanese Rinzai Rōshi, a successor in the Tenryū-ji line of Rinzai Zen, and former president of Hanazono University, the Rinzai university in Kyoto, Japan. He became a priest in 1945. Ōmori Sōgen was a teacher of Kashima Shinden Jikishinkage-ryū swordsmanship, and a calligrapher in the Taishi school of Yamaoka Tesshū. He became well known for his unique approach to Zen practice integrating insights from his martial and fine arts training with traditional Zen methods; this approach has been described as a unity of Zen, Ken ("sword", referring to martial arts or physical culture), and Sho ("brush", referring to calligraphy or fine arts). He was a Japanese right-wing ultra-nationalist before World War II. Unfortunately, he had a serious stroke and was in a coma for two years before he died.

Omori Sogen: Zen Ken Sho (Zazen Practice, Body-Mind Physical Disciplines, and Artistic Creativity)

One Arrow, One Life: Zen, Archery, Enlightenment. By Kenneth Kushner, and Jackson Morisawa. Tuttle, 2000, 128 pages.

Buddhism: Bibliography, Links, Information, Resources. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo.

 

 

 

Iron Flute (IF)

The Iron Flute: 100 Zen Koans.Translated by Nyogen Senzaki and by Ruth Strout McCandles. Introduction by Steve Hagen. Tuttle, 153 pages, 2011. Index, glossary, Chinese-Japanese lists of names. VSCL, Paperback. With commentary by Genro, Fugai, and Nyogen.

The Iron Flute was compiled, copied, and published by Genro in 1783.

Indexed by Michael P. Garofalo in 2023.

Subject Index for the 100 Koans in the Iron Flute (IF). PDF, July 1, 2023, 23 Pages.

Case Number List for the 100 Koans in the Iron Flute (IF). PDF, July 1, 2023, 4 Pages

Alphabetical List for the 100 Cases in the Iron Flute (IF). PDF, July 1, 2023, 4 Pages

Subject Index to 3,855 Lessons from Zen Buddhists, Solitary Taoists, and Stoics

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collection

Buddhism: Bibliography, Links, Information, Resources. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo.

 

J

 

Japanese Zen Buddhist Philosophy - Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

Joan Sutherland, Roshi. Cloud Dragon: Joan Sutherland Dharma Works.

 

 

 

K

 

Kamakura 40 Koans (ZWAY)

Text Authority: Zen and the Ways. By Trevor Leggett. Tuttlle, 1978, 1989, 1993, 258 pages. 40 Koan Cases.

Indexing by Michael P. Garofalo

Subject Index to the 40 Kamakura Koans. PDF, First Draft, October 10, 2023, 5 pages.

Case Number Index for the 40 Kamakura Koans. PDF, First Draft, October 10, 2023, 2 pages.

Alphabetical List of Cases for the 40 Kamakura Koans. PDF, First Draft, October 10, 2023, 2 pages.

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Buddhism: Bibliography, Links, Information, Resources. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo.

 

 

 

Koan Collections and Books on Koan from the ZenSite

Joan Sutherland, Roshi. Cloud Dragon: Joan Sutherland Dharma Works. Koan Collections

Koan Database Project: Indexes to Koan Collections

Koan Index from Hotetsu''s Zen Blog

Koan Index from Meredith Garmon

Koan Studies: The Zen Site Essays, Reading Lists, Notes, Commentary.

Koan Study

"In studying a koan two approaches are possible: one is for the student to take it up as the subject of scholastic or philosophical research, and another is to do zazen with it as a means of training. The philosophical or dogmatic studies of koan are of secondary significance because the standpoint of such studies is fundamentally different from that of true Zen training, in which the only aim is to experience and live the real working spirit of Zen."
- Zenki Shibayama, The Gateless Barrier

Subject Index to 3,855 Lessons from Zen Buddhists, Solitary Taoists, and Stoics

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collection

 

Koan - Wikipedia. An informative, long and useful article.

Koan Zen

Buddhism: Bibliography, Links, Information, Resources. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo.

Koans: Information, Bibliography, Quotations, Notes, Index.  By Mike Garofalo.

Koans: The New World Encyclopedia

 

 

Subject Index to 3,855 Lessons from Zen Buddhists, Solitary Taoists, and Stoics

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Subject Index to 813 Stoic Lessons, Discourses, and Letters

Subject Index to 1,546 Taoist Lessons, Chapters, Stories

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Indexing by Michael P. Garofalo
Fifth Version, August 14, 2023. Updated Monthly. 358 Pages, PDF.
Green Way Research, Vancouver, Washington

Zen Buddhist Koans and Information:
https://www.egreenway.com/buddhism/koansdup1.htm

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collections

Buddhism: Bibliography, Links, Information, Resources. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo.

Koans:  Database Project Introduction

Brief Spiritual Lessons (BSL) Database Project:
Zen Buddhist Koan Database, Taoist Database, Stoics Database

For the purposes of the Brief Spiritual Lessons (BSL) Database Project:

I define a 'Koan' as one kind of Brief Spiritual Lesson (typically 1 page in length, called a 'Case') from the Chan/Zen Buddhist traditions. The Taoist brief spiritual Lessons are teaching stories that are from 1 to 4 pages in length, often called 'Chapters' or 'Verses' rather than 'Cases'. These Brief Spiritual Lessons have been preserved for many centuries by Taoists, Chan Buddhists, Zen Buddhists, and Philosophers; and some were created since 1980. They are typically found in 'BSL/Koan/Meditations Collections" with from 48 to 365 brief spiritual lessons or meditations (mostly 1 page in length), not including later additions of commentaries, capping verses, poems, introductions, prefaces, and notes that can make for 2-6 pages of reading per Lesson.

Each brief spiritual Lesson (Case, Chapter) is titled in a Collection. Typically the Koan titles are listed numerically in the front of the Koan Collection; but the Lessons are in random order. There is no list of Lesson titles in alphabetical order. Typically, there are no detailed subject or title indexes to the many examples of Taoist or Buddhist brief spiritul Lessons in these 'BSL/Koan Collections'.

The Brief Spiritual Lessons Database Project attempts to provide the indexing needed for more detailed and comparative studies of these popular literary collections of brief spiritual Lessons from Taoists and Buddhists available since 1960 in the English Language. This database project is primarily a literary, philosophical, subject, bibliographical, historical, and comparative study. As I read and study these classic Taoist and Buddhist BSL/Koan Collections, my notes, correlations, thoughts and indexing become reflected in the many PDF files of this 2023-2024 Brief Spiritual Lessons Database Project. Also, these studies result in some of the Chapters of The Fireplace Records."

I use Microsoft's Access Database. My skill set for this database management software is at a beginner's level. However, I hope to improve in 2023-2024.

When inputing Sanskrit, Chinese, or Japanese personal names, places, references, or subjects I don't know how to use diacritical marks and special punctuation in Access. Therefore, this may create a little frustration for seasoned researchers whose hard earned skills at a second or third language might think I don't show more respect by using more accurate typography. The results are simple and practical, although they lack in typographical sophistication.

I try to be a decent indexer. I am very familiar with the original resources, having read many books in this area of inquiry since 1962. I reread the specific text a couple of times before indexing. Indexing is somewhat of an idiosycratic exercise in analysis of text. Hopefully, a few devotees of this literature will find the indexes useful. Naturally, I benefit greatly from the process of indexing in terms of insights, understanding, philosophical enchantment, and lifestyle guidance.

Sometimes, with very brief koans, it is difficult to index because you have little or no context, no information about the relationship between the speakers. Have they known each other briefly, for a long time, intimately, superficially, etc.? Sometimes, the commentary can give you some contextual information, but in other cases nothing at all. It is hard to interpret the thoughts or actions of the persons if you don't know about their relationship. Zen does emphasize spontaniety and freedom of expression by enlightened persons (Masters); however, some brief encounters result in, what I incorrectly interpret to be bizarre, mean, or rude behaviors between persons that don't seem to know each other in any way, e.g., a visitor to a Temple.

When titles begin with the article "The" I do not include the "The" in the Title. This prevents too many titles from clustering together.

Each Koan Collection is placed in a separate database. Each Koan Collection is give a Key Code to identify the Collection. For example, the key code of "ENT" identifies a koan from the book "Entangling Vines"; or, BCR for Blue Cliff Record. Here is a list of the Key Codes:

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collections

The BSL/Koan Database Project is a long-term research, study, and indexing project starting in March of 2023. I update specific BSL/Koan Collection Databases s and produce "Draft" Versions of Reports as my research and study evolves in 2023-2025. No Rush ... slowly absorb the enchanting and inspiring brief spiritual lessons from Chan Buddhist, Daoist, Zen Buddhist, Stoic, and Philosophical Traditions.

Reading Zen Buddhist literature, translations, commentaries, books, audio recordings, essays, blog posts, and web pages have kept me busy and interested from 1961-2023. I was attracted to the Zen Buddhist non-Christian views on life's meaning, the reduction of emphasis upon supernatural beings and theological explanations, the focus on a kind of phenomenological view of things as they are, the interface with haiku and imagist poetry, the ethical aspects of Buddhist thought, nature mysticism, simplicity, the finality of death and lack of belief in an eternal self-soul, Indian, Chinese and Japanese culture, history and philosophy, the amazement of being alive, and a down to earth and practical attitude.

Buddhism: Bibliography, Links, Information, Resources. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo.

Taoism: Bibliography, Links, Resources, Information. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo.

Subject Index to 3,855 Lessons from Zen Buddhists, Solitary Taoists, and Stoics

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Subject Index to 813 Stoic Lessons, Discourses, and Letters

Subject Index to 1,546 Taoist Lessons, Chapters, Stories

Brief Spiritual Lessons and Koans Project Homepage PDF

- Michael P. Garofalo, Brief Spiritual Lessons Database Project

Koans, Gongans, Wise Encounters, Dialogues, Zen Questions and Answers

Introspecting, Studying, Discussing, and Reflecting on Koans is important in the Rinzai Zen School Practices

PrHere are a Few of My Favorite Books or Resources on Chan and Zen Buddhist Koans:

Through Forests of Every Color: Awakening with Koans. By Joan Sutherland. Shambhala, 2022, 208 pages. VSCL, Paperbound. Beautiful, insightful, and evocative writing.

Bring Me the Rhinoceros: And Other Zen Koans That Will Save Your Life. By John Tarrant. Boston, Shambhala, 2008.  Notes, 192 pages. VSCL, Paperback. Also, see the extensive website at the Pacific Zen Institute (PZI) in Santa Rosa, California.

Subject Index to 3,855 Lessons from Zen Buddhists, Solitary Taoists, and Stoics

Subject Index to 1,546 Taoist Lessons, Chapters, Stories

Subject Index to 813 Stoic Lessons, Discourses, and Letters

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collection

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans
Koans, Essays, Books, Lectures, Links, Information

Indexing by Michael P. Garofalo
Tenth Version, December 28, 2023. Updated Monthly. PDF, 578 Pages.
Green Way Research, Vancouver, Washington

Zen Buddhist Koans: Indexes, Information, Bibliography:
https://www.egreenway.com/buddhism/koansdup1.htm

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collections

L

Linji Yixuan's Record (LIN)

The Record of Linji. Edited by Thomas Yuho Kirchner. Translation and commentary by Ruth Fuller Sasaki. Nazan Library of Asian Religion and Culrture #20. Linji Yixuan (died 866 CE). University of Hawaii Press, 2009, 485 pages. VSCL, Paperback.

Indexing by Michael P. Garofalo

Subject Index to Linji's Record. PDF, First Draft, October 10, 2023, 6 pages.

Alphabetical List of Cases for Linji's Record. PDF, First Draft, October 10, 2023, 2 pages.

Buddhism: Bibliography, Links, Information, Resources. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo.

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collection

Opening a Mountain: Koans of the Zen Masters. By Steven Heine. Introduction and detailed commentaries, Extensive Notes. List of Teachers of Koans. Oxford University Press, 2001, 200 pages. VSCL, Paperback. 60 Koan Collection.

Opening a Mountain was compiled, translated, commented on, and documented by Professor Steven Heine in 2001.

Indexing by Michael P. Garofalo in 2023.

Subject Index to the 60 Koans in Opening a Mountain (OM). First Draft, July 10, 2023, 17 Pages, PDF.

Alphabetical List of the 60 Koans in Opening a Mountain (OM). First Draft, July 10, 2023, 3 Pages, PDF.

Case Number List of the 60 Koans in Opening a Mountain (OM). First Draft, July 10, 2023, 3 Pages, PDF.

Buddhism: Bibliography, Links, Information, Resources. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo.

Subject Index to 3,855 Lessons from Zen Buddhists, Solitary Taoists, and Stoics

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collection

Pacific Zen Institute (PZI) in Santa Rosa, California. Extensive website with strong emphasis on using Koans.

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Subject Index to 1,546 Taoist Lessons, Chapters, Stories

Subject Index to 813 Stoic Lessons, Discourses, and Letters

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collection

Quotes for Gardeners. Over 3,800 quotations arranged by 250 Topics/Subjects. Mostly Ad Free! Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo back before 2005.

Reading Zen Buddhist literature, translations, commentaries, books, audio recordings, essays, blog posts, and web pages have kept me busy and interested from 1961-2023. I was attracted to the Zen Buddhist non-Christian views on life's meaning, the reduction of emphasis upon supernatural beings and theological explanations, the focus on a kind of phenomenological view of things as they are, the interface with haiku and imagist poetry, the ethical aspects of Buddhist thought, nature mysticism, simplicity, the finality of death and lack of belief in an eternal self-soul, Indian, Chinese and Japanese culture, history and philosophy, the amazement of being alive, and a down to earth and practical attitude.

The Record of Empty Hall: One Hundred Classic Koans. Translated with commentary by Dosho Port. Shambhala, 2021, 287 pages. Biographical Notes, General Notes, Reading List. VSCL, Paperback.

The Record of the Empty Hall was compiled, copied, and shared by Zen Buddhist Abbott Xutang Zhiyu (1185-1269 CE).

Indexing by Michael P. Garofalo in 2023.

Subject Index to the 100 Koans in the Record of the Empty Hall (REH). First Draft, July 6, 2023, 21 Pages, PDF.

Alphabetical List of 100 Koan Cases in the Record of the Empty Hall (REH). First Draft, July 6, 2023, 4 Pages, PDF.

Case Number List of 100 Koan Cases in the Record of the Empty Hall (REG). First Draft, July 6, 2023, 4 Pages PDF.

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collection

Buddhism: Bibliography, Links, Information, Resources. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo.

Recommend Reading List for the English Language Texts Indexed in the Brief Spiritual Lessons Database Project

Reference Texts for Brief Spiritual Lessons Database Project

Riddles, Paradoxes, Puzzles (RID)

Riddles, Paradoxes, Puzzles. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo. Over 415 Riddles. No Advertising. Links, Bibliography, Sources, Research.

Rinzai (Linji) Zen Buddhist School

A Philosopher Opens Three Old Doors: Daoist, Zen Buddhist, and Hatha Yoga. Philsophy, Somatic Practices, Arts, Ethics, and Mysticism. By Michael P. Garofalo.

Art: Calligraphy, Painting, Landscape Gardening, Pottery, Metalworking, Tea Ceremony, Dance, Bonsai, Theatre, Photography

Hakuin Ekaku (1686-1769) Zen Master Japan Author

Hidden Zen: Practices for Sudden Awakening and Embodied Realization. By Meido Moore. Shambhala, 2020, 320 pages. Notes, glossary. VSCL, Paperback.

Internal Martial Arts Training: Tai Chi Chuan, Hsing I, Bagua Zhang

Introduction to Zen Training: A Physical Approach to Meditation and Mind-Body Training. By Omori Sogen. Introduction by Trevor Leggett. Foreword by Sayama Daian and Michael Kangen. Tuttle, 2020, 288 pages. Index, glossary, lineage charts. Published in Japanese in 1964, and in English in 1996. Many intersting photographs. VSCL, Paperback.

Omori Sogen (1904-1994) Japanese Rinzai Master. "Ōmori Sōgen (大森 曹玄, 1904–1994) was a Japanese Rinzai Rōshi, a successor in the Tenryū-ji line of Rinzai Zen, and former president of Hanazono University, the Rinzai university in Kyoto, Japan. He became a priest in 1945. Ōmori Sōgen was a teacher of Kashima Shinden Jikishinkage-ryū swordsmanship, and a calligrapher in the Taishi school of Yamaoka Tesshū. He became well known for his unique approach to Zen practice integrating insights from his martial and fine arts training with traditional Zen methods; this approach has been described as a unity of Zen, Ken ("sword", referring to martial arts or physical culture), and Sho ("brush", referring to calligraphy or fine arts). He was a Japanese right-wing ultra-nationalist before World War II.

Omori Sogen: Zen Ken Sho (Zazen Practice, Body-Mind Physical Disciplines, and Artistic Creativity)

Qigong, Neigong, Yoga Training

Buddhism: Bibliography, Links, Information, Resources. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo.


The Record of Linji. Edited by Thomas Yuho Kirchner. Translation and commentary by Ruth Fuller Sasaki. Nazan Library of Asian Religion and Culrture #20. Linji Yixuan (died 866 CE). University of Hawaii Press, 2009, 485 pages. VSCL, Paperback.

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

The Fireplace Records
By Michael P. Garofalo

Rinzai School - Wikipedia

Rinzai Zen Buddhist School See Also Blue Cliff Record, Gateless Barrier, Sutherland Roshi, Yamada Roshi, Wick Roshi, Tarrant Roshi, etc.

Zen Koans: Indexes, Bibliography, Research, Commentary. By Michael P. Garofalo.

The Rinzai Zen Way: A Guide to Practice. By Meido Moore. Shambhala, 2018, 244 pages. Index, bibliography, glossary, notes. VSCL, Paperback.

The Rinzai Zen Way: A Guide to Practice. By Meido Moore. Free Online, PDF.

Way of Zen. By Alan Watts

Zen and Japanese Culutre. By D. T. Suzuki.

S

Samurai Zen: The 100 Warrior Koans (SAM)

Samurai Zen: The Warrior Koans. By Trevor Leggett - Translation, Commentary, Introduction. 100 Koans. Routledge, 2003, Second Edition 218 pages. Trevor Pryce Leggett (1914-2000). VSCL, Paperback. 100 Koans.

Compiled, copied, and shared by Zen Abbott Daikaku in 1543 CE in Japan.

Indexing by Michael P. Garofalo in 2023.

Subject Index for the 100 Cases in Samurai Zen (SAM).. First Draft, June 23, 2023, PDF, 25 Pages.

Numerical List of the 100 Cases in Samurai Zen (SAM). First Draft, June 23, 2023, SAM, PDF, 4 Pages.

Alphabetical List of the 100 Cases in Samurai Zen (SAM). First Draft, June 23, 2023, SAM, PDF, 4 Pages.

Subject Index to 3,855 Lessons from Zen Buddhists, Solitary Daoists, and Stoics

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collection

 

 

 

Secrets of the Blue Cliff Record: Zen Comments by Hakuin and Tenkei. Translated by Thomas Cleary. Boston, Shambhala, 2002. Introduction, recommended reading, 354 pages. ISBN: 1570629129. "Hakuin Ekaku (白隠 慧鶴^?, January 19, 1686 - January 18, 1768) was one of the most influential figures in Japanese Zen Buddhism. He is regarded as the reviver of the Rinzai school from a moribund period of stagnation, refocusing it on its traditionally rigorous training methods integrating meditation and koan practice.'

The Shamanic Bones of Zen: Revealing the Ancestral Spirit and Mystical Heart of a Sacred Tradition. By Zenju Earthly Manuel. Foreword by Paula Arai. Shambhala, 192 pages, 2022. VSCL, Paperback.

Shifu Miao Zhang Points the Way  By Mike Garofalo.

Buddhism: Bibliography, Links, Information, Resources. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo.

Sitting with Koans: Essential Writings on Zen Koan Introspection. Edited by John Daido Loori. Introduction by Tom Kirchner. Wisdom Publications, 2005, 368 pages. VSCL - Used paperback.

The Sound Of One Hand (SOH)

The Sound of One Hand: 148 Zen Koans with Answers. Translation, research and commentary by Joel Hoffmann. Introduction by Dror Burstein. NRYB, 2016, 304 pages. VSCL, Paperback.

There are 144 koan cases, starting on page 75. The full text for each case is followed by possible acceptable answers or responses to the koan. The first 74 pages are very brief questions and answers regarding 137 other cases, without the full text for each case. Therefore, the total cases discussed are 281 koan cases. I have indexed only 148 Cases.

Indexed by Michael P. Garofalo.

Subject Index to the Sound of One Hand 148 Koans. PDF, 10/26/2023, 30 pages.

Case Number List to the Sound of One Hand 148 Koans. PDF, 10/26/2023, 6 pages.

Case Title List to the Sound of One Hand 148 Koans. PDF, 10/26/2023, 6 pages.

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collection

Buddhism: Bibliography, Links, Information, Resources. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo.

Taoism: Bibliography, Links, Resources, Information. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo.

Sparks: Brief Spiritual Stories, Dialogues, and Encounters
Matches to Start the Kindling of Insight
May the Light Your Inner Fireplace Help All Beings
Zen Buddhist Koan Collections
Catching Phrases, Inspiring Verses, Hard Questions
Bibliography, Quotations, Notes, Resources
Research by Michael P. Garofalo

Staff, Cane, Jo, Cane, Stick By Michael P. Garofalo.

Swordsmanship, Martial Arts

Subject Index to Over 3,855 Lessons from Zen Buddhists, Solitary Taoists, and Stoics

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Subject Index to Zen Buddhist and Taoist Literature

Subject Index to 1,546 Taoist Lessons, Chapters, Stories

Subject Index to 813 Stoic Lessons, Discourses, and Letters

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collection


Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Indexing by Michael P. Garofalo
Seventh Version, Ocotober 9, 2023. Updated Monthly. PDF, 465 Pages.
Green Way Research, Vancouver, Washington

Zen Buddhist Koans and Information:
https://www.egreenway.com/buddhism/koansdup1.htm

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collections

Brief Spiritual Lessons and Koans Project Homepage PDF

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collection

PDF files are searchable. Use the keyboard strokes: Ctrl + F This will open the Search or Find box.
Cases = Buddhist brief spiritual lessons, Koans, dialogues, puzzles, wisdom tales, Chan/Taoist teaching, Lore, Fables, Records
Chapters = Taoist brief spiritual lessons, classic Daoist spiritual literature, tales, fables, lectures, expositions.
Internet Links in PDF Files are clickable/searchable.

Suzuki, Daisetsu Teitaro Suzuki, D. T. Suzuki, 1870-1966.

Subject Index to D. T. Suzuki's Books and Essays. Indexing by Michael P. Garofalo. First Draft, November, 19, 2023. PDF, 24 pages.

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collection

Essays in Zen Buddhism, First Series By D.T. Suzuki, 1870-1966. Daisetsu Teitaro Suzuki. Foreword by Christmas Humphreys. York Beach, Maine, Samuel Weiser, Inc., 1950, 1985. Index, 388 pages. ISBN: 0877285861. Essays on Enlightenment, Zen history, Satori, practical methods, meditation hall, and the Ten Ox Herding Pictures. VSCL. (SUZA)

Essays in Zen Buddhism: Second Series By D.T. Suzuki, 1870-1966. Daisetsu Teitaro Suzuki. Foreword by Christmas Humphreys. York Beach, Maine, Samuel Weiser, Inc., 1953, 1985. Index, 367 pages. ISBN: 0877280754. Essays on koans, Bodhidhama, and passivity in Buddhist life. VSCL. (SUZB)

Essays in Zen Buddhism: Third Series By D.T. Suzuki, 1870-1966. Daisetsu Teitaro Suzuki. Foreword by Christmas Humphreys. York Beach, Maine, Samuel Weiser, Inc., 1953, 1985. Index, 396 pages. ISBN: 0877280762. Essays on Chinese Zen, Bodhisattva ideal, and the Prajnaparamita. VSCL. (SUZC)

The Field of Zen. By D.T. Suzuki, 1870-1966. Edited with a Foreword by Christmas Humphreys. Harper and Row, Perennial, 1969, index, 105 pages. VSCL. (SUZD)

An Introduction to Zen Buddhism. By D.T. Suzuki. 136 pages, 2014. (SUZE)

Manual of Zen Buddhism. By D.T. Suzuki. 139 pages. VSCL, Kindle E Book. (SUZF)

Mysticism: Christian and Buddhist. By D.T. Suzuki. 200 Pages. (SUZG)

Zen and Japanese Culture By D.T. Suzuki. Princeton, 1959. Bollingen Series, #64. Index, 478 pages. VSCL. (SUZH)

Zen Buddhism: Selected Writings of D.T. Suzuki. Edited by William Barrett. Doubleday, 1956, 1996, 369 pages. VSCL, Paperback. (SUZI)

The Zen Doctrine of No Mind: The Significance of the Sutra of Hui-Neng (Wei-lang). By D.T. Suzuki. Edited by Christmas Humphreys. Boston, Weiser Books, 1969, 1972. Index, 160 pages. ISBN: 0877281823. VSCL. (SUZJ)

The Awakening of Zen. By D. T. Suzuki. Shambhala Dragon Editions, 2000, 136 pages. VSCL, Paperback. (SUZK)

The Zen Doctrine of No Mind: The Significance of the Sutra of Hui-Neng (Wei-lang). By D.T. Suzuki.

Beyond Zen: D. T. Suzuki and the Modern Transformaton of Buddhism. Edited by John Breen, Sueki Fumihiko, and Yanada Shoji. University of Hawaii Press, 2023, 322 pages.

Books by D.T. Suzuki on Amazon

Information about D.T. Suzuki's Life (1870-1966)

The Outlines of Mahayana Buddhism. By D.T. Suzuki. Schocken Books, 1963.

Selected Works of D.T. Suzuki, Volume II: Pure Land. Edited by James C. Dobbins. University of California Press, 2015, 336 pages.

The Training of the Zen Buddhist Monk. By D.T. Suzuki. Illustrated by Zenchu Sato. Cosimo, 2004, 180 pages.

The Zen Buddhist Philosophy of D. T. Suzuki: Strengths, Foibles, Intrigues, and Precision. By Rossa O Muireartaigh, Georgina Stewart, et al. Bloomsbury, 2022, 192 pages.

A Zen Life: D.T. Suzuki Remembered. By Masao Abe. Weatherhill, 1995, 225 pages. VSCL, Paperback.

Buddhism: Bibliography, Links, Information, Resources. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo.

Subject Index to 3,855 Lessons from Zen Buddhists, Solitary Taoists, and Stoics

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Book of Serenity BOS Book of Tranquility 100 Cases Buddhist
The Book of Serenity: One Hundred Zen Dialogues. Translated with commentary by Thomas Cleary, 2005, 512 pages.

Chuang Tzu, Zuangzi, ZHUA 33 Chapters Taoist
Wandering on the Way: Early Taoist Tales and Parables of Chuang Tzu. Translation by Victor H. Mair. Bantam, 1994, 402 pagse.

Entangling Vines, ENT 272 Koan Cases Buddhist
Entangling Vines: A Classic Collection of Zen Koans.  Translated and annotated by Thomas Yūhō Kirchner.  Foreword by Nelson Foster.
Introduction by Ueda Shizuteru.  Boston, Wisdom Publications, 2013, 340 pages.

Fireplace Records TFR 25 Cases Philosopher
The Fireplace Records by Michael P. Garofalo, 2023, 30 Chapters

Gateless Gate GB Gateless Barrier 48 Cases Buddhist
The Gateless Gate: The Classic Book of Zen Koans. Translated with commentary and notes by Koun Yamada Roshi. Wisdom Publications, Somerville, MA, 2004, 2015, 301 pages. Numberous Appendices, Japanese-Chinese Name List, Essays. ISBN:978-0-86171-382-0. VSCL, Paperback.

Transmission of Light TOL 53 Biographies Buddhist
Transmission of Light: Zen in the Art of Enlightenment. Author: Keizan. Translated by Thomas Cleary, Shambhala, 1990, 207 pages.

Vegetable Roots Discourse VRD 346 Prose Poems Confucian-Buddhist-Taoist
The Unencumbered Spirit: Reflections of a Chinese Sage. By Hung Yi-ming. Translated by William Scott Wilson. Foreword by Bill Porter. Kodansha International,, 2009, 223 pages. Afterword, notes, bibliography. VSCL, Hardbound.

Wen-Tzu, WEN, 180 Chapters/Lessons Taoist
Wen-Tzu: Understanding the Mysteries. Author Lao Tzu. Translated by Thomas Cleary. Shambhala, 1992, 208 pages.

The Whole World is a Single Flower. WWSF By Zen Master Seung Sahn. 365 Kong-ans for Everyday Life with Questions and Commentary. Edited by Jane McLaughlin and Paul Muenzen. Foreword by Stephen Mitchell. Primary Point Press, Kwan Um School of Zen, Cumberland Rhode Island, 1992, Third Edition 2014, 244 pages. ISBN: 978-0-942795-17-2. VSCL, Paperback.

Zen Echoes: Classic Koans with Verse Commentaries by Three Female Chan Masters. ZE Translated, edited, and introduction by Beata Grant. Foreword by Susan Moon. Wisdom, 2017, 176 pages.

Zen Master Raven: The Teachings of a Wise Old Bird. ZMR Compiled and annotated by Robert Aitken. Illustrated by Jennifer Rain Crosby. Foreword by Nelson Foster. Wisdom, 2002, 2017, 229 pages. VSCL, Hardbound. 208 Brief Koans.

Taoism: Bibliography, Links, Resources, Information. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo.

Indexing by Michael P. Garofalo
Green Way Research, Vancouver, Washington
Indexing: Books, Resources, References, Research, Tools

Alphabetical List of the 53 Biographies in the Transmission of Light (TOL) Collection. PDF, 3 pages.

List of 53 Biography Cases by Case Numbers in the Transmission of Light (TOL) Collection. PDF, 2 pages.

Subject Index to 3,855 Lessons from Zen Buddhists, Solitary Taoists, and Stoics

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collection

Books I Use in My Research and Study of Koan Collections

Zen Master Keizan Information

Buddhism: Bibliography, Links, Information, Resources. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo.

The Transparency of Things: Contemplating the Nature of Experience. By Rupert Spira. Sahaja Pub., 2008, 243 pages. No index, no bibliography, no notes. VSCL, Paperback.

Non-Dualism

Advaita Vedanta

Awakening the Other Way: Non-Duality and Existential Reason. By Marcel Eschauzier. Unlock Tao, 2023, 144 pages. VSCL, Paperback.

Advaita Vedanta Books at Amazon

Taoism: Bibliography, Links, Resources, Information. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo.

Stoicism: Bibliography, Resources, Quotations, Links, Information. By Michael P. Garofalo.

The True Dharma Eye: Zen Master Dōgen's Three Hundred Koans. Translated by Kazuaki Tanahashi and John Daido Loori. Commentary and verse by John Daido Loori. Boston, Shambhala, 2009. Index of koans, glossary, biographical, lineage charts, notes, 540 pages. ISBN:  978-1590302427. "When the thirteenth century master Eihei Dogen, one of the most influential thinkers in Zen Buddhism and founder of the Japanese Soto school, returned to Japan after four years of study in China, the fruit of his pilgrimage was recorded in a collection of koans called the Chinese Shobogenzo, also known as Shinji or Mana Shobogenzo. This collection of three hundred main cases was first published in 1766 under the title Shobogenzo Sambyakusoku (Treasury of the True Dharma Eye: Three Hundred Cases)." VSCL, Paperback.

Vegetable Root Discourse (VRD)

Text Authority for Indexing:
The Unencumbered Spirit: Reflections of a Chinese Sage. By Hung Yi-ming. Translated by William Scott Wilson. Foreword by Bill Porter. Kodansha International,, 2009, 223 pages. Afterword, notes, bibliography. VSCL, Hardbound.

Each "Discourse" or "Observation" or "Reminder" in the Vegetable Roots Discourse (Vegetable Roots) is a prose-poem of two to six sentences, depending upon the translation. Each prose-poem "Discourse" is not given a subtitle, they are just numbered in sequence in Two Books. I have chosen to give each Discouse a subtitle for database organizational purposes.

Indexing by Michael P. Garofalo

Subject Index to the Vegetable Root Discourses. PDF, First Draft, October 30, 2023, 55 pages.

Case Number Index to the Vegetable Root Discourses. PDF, First Draft, October 30, 2023, 55 pages.

Case Title Index to the Vegetable Root Discourses. PDF, First Draft, October 30, 2023, 55 pages.

The Unencumbered Spirit: Reflections of a Chinese Sage. By Hung Yi-ming. Translated by William Scott Wilson. Foreword by Bill Porter. Kodansha International,, 2009, 223 pages. Afterword, notes, bibliography. VSCL, Hardbound.

"We know almost nothing of Hung Ying-ming, except that he lived around the end of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) and that he was extraordinarily well-read and cultured. The Unencumbered Spirit is his classic work, a tour de force offering wise words distilled through the fundamental teachings of Taoism, Confucianism and Zen Buddhism. Hung's poetic prose embodies the infinite transformations of the world's opposites, what the Chinese called yin and yang--good and evil, honesty and deception, wisdom and foolishness, heaven and hell. Wise, profound, spiritual, humorous, witty, and timeless, The Unencumbered Spirit is, in short, a book about putting greed and competition aside, about getting at the true, clear essence of things, free of distractions and encumbrances. It is a book about living without stuff, whether it be material, psychological, or spiritual. About living with simplicity and awareness. It has been rare for one person to develop a thorough grasp of Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism, such is their profundity. But there have been a few. Among them, one person's work stands above the rest: namely, Hung Ying-ming's The Unencumbered Spirit. I can recommend this work to anyone interested in the way of the world's greatest sages, whose teachings can help us all to see into and to improve our own lives." Bill Porter (aka Red Pine), from the Foreword."

Master of the Three Ways. Reflections of a Chinese Sage on Living a Satisfying Life. By Hung Yi-ming. Translated by William Scott Wilson. Foreword by Red Pine. Shambhala, 2012, 196 pages, Notes, Bibliography. VSCL, Paperback.

Vegetable Roots Discourse: Wisdom from Ming China on Life and Living. Caigentan By Hong Zicheng (Hung Tzu-ch'eng). Translated, introduction, and notes by Robert Aitken. Translation and Afterword by Daniel W. K. Kwok (pp.165-224), brief glossary, bibliography, notes, Pinyin to Wade-Giles glossary. Counterpoint, 2006, 224 pages. VSCL, Paperback.

"Written 400 years ago by a scholar in the Ming Dynasty, one hundred years after Columbus and around the time Shakespeare completed Henry VI, accomplished scholar and philosopher Hong Zicheng retired from public life and settled down to write an informal compilation of his thoughts on the essence of life, human nature, and heaven and earth. Though he wrote other books as well, only this one has survived—thanks largely to its continuous popularity, first in China and later in Japan and Korea. Entitled Caigentan (Vegetable Roots Discourse), this book has been studied and cherished for four hundred years. Terse, humorous, witty, and. above all, timely, this book offers a provocative and personal mix of Daoist, Buddhist, and Confucian understanding. It contains 360 observations that lead us through paths as complex, absurd, and grotesque as life itself. While it has been translated into many languages, this comprehensive version will immediately become the standard edition for generations of English readers to come."

Back to Beginnings: Reflection on the Tao by Huanchu Daoren. Translated by Thomas Cleary. Boston and London, Shambhala Publications, 1990.

The Roots of Wisdom: Saikontan by Hung Ying-ming. Translated by William Scott Wilson. New York, Koaansha International, 1985.

Tending the Roots of Wisdom. Annotated by Han Zhong. Bejing, New World Press, 2000.

Buddhism: Bibliography, Links, Information, Resources. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo.

Taoism: Bibliography, Links, Resources, Information. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo.

I began reading books about Buddhism, and books written by Alan Watts (1915-1973) in 1960. I borrowed many books from our local Los Angeles County Public Libraries. I enjoyed studying books by D. T. Suzuki, Alan Watts, R.H. Blyth, Paul Reps, Buddhist Scriptures, Robert Aitken, and many others. I attended two lectures by Alan Watts while a college student. I own digital audio versions of most of his recorded lectures. The key of VSCL means these books are now (2023) in my home library.

Alan W. Watts - Wikipedia

"Alan Wilson Watts (6 January 1915 - 16 November 1973) was a British writer and speaker known for interpreting and popularising Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism for a Western audience. Born in Chislehurst, England, he moved to the United States in 1938 and began Zen training in New York. He received a master's degree in theology from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary and became an Episcopal priest in 1945. He left the ministry in 1950 and moved to California, where he joined the faculty of the American Academy of Asian Studies. Watts gained a following while working as a volunteer programmer at the KPFA radio station in Berkeley. He wrote more than 25 books and articles on religion and philosophy, introducing the emerging hippie counterculture to The Way of Zen (1957), one of the first bestselling books on Buddhism. In Psychotherapy East and West (1961), he argued that Buddhism could be thought of as a form of psychotherapy. He considered Nature, Man and Woman (1958) to be, "from a literary point of view, the best book I have ever written". He also explored human consciousness and psychedelics in works such as "The New Alchemy" (1958) and The Joyous Cosmology (1962)."
-  Alan Watts, Wikipedia

Text Authority: See the Books Listed Below.

Subject Index to the Books by Alan Watts. PDF, October 20, 2024, 35 pages. Indexing by Michael P. Garofalo.

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collections

Each Key to the Specific Book (WATA - WATS) is followed by the page number in the book,
e.g., WATB 22, WATG N 123, WATH 01.

Become What You Are.  By Alan Watts.  Shambhala, 1995, 2003, 132 pages, VSCL.
Key: (WATA)

Behold the Spirit: A Study in the Necessity of Mystical Religion. By Alan Watts. Vintage Books, 1947, 1971, 257 pages, VSCL.
Key: (WATB)

The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are. By Alan Watts. Vintage, 1966, 146 pages, VSCL.
Key: (WATC)

Cloud-Hidden: Whereabouts Unknown, A Mountain Journal. By Alan Watts. Vintage, 1968, 208 pages, VSCL.
Key: (WATD)

Does It Matter: Essays on Man's Relation to Materiality. By Alan Watts. Vintage, 1968, 125 pages.
Key: (WATE)

Eastern Wisdom, Modern Life: Collected Talks, 1960-1969. By Alan Watts. New World Library, 1994, 243 pages, VSCL.
Key: (WATF)

The Essential Alan Watts. Celestial Arts, 1974, 142 pages, VSCL.
Key: (WATG)

In My Own Way; An Autobiography. By Alan Watts. New World, 1972, 384 pages, VSCL.
Key: (WATH)

Just So: An Odyssey Into the Cosmic Web of Connection, Play and True Pleasure. By Alan Watts. Sounds True, Audio CD, 2017.
Key: (WATI)

Leave It Be:  Alan Watts on the Art of Meditation. Sounds True, Audio CD, 2020.
Key: (WATJ)

The Meaning of Happiness. The Quest for Freedom of the Spirit in Modern Psychology and the Wisdom of the East. By Alan Watts.  Harper, 1940, 219 pages, VSCL.
Key: (WATK)

Nature, Man and Woman. By Alan Watts. VSCL.
Key: (WATL)

Out of Your Mind: Essential Listening from the Alan Watts Audio Archives.  Sounds True, Audio CD, 2004, VSCL.
Key: (WATM)

Out of Your Mind: Essential Listening from the Alan Watts Audio Archives.  Sounds True, Audio CD, 2004, VSCL.
Key: (WATM)

Taboo on Knowing Who You Are. By Alan Watts.
Key: (WATN)

Tao: The Watercourse Way. By Alan Watts. With the collaboration of Al Chung-liang Huang. Pantheon, 1977, 134 pages, VSCL.
Key: (WATO)

This is It, and Other Essays of Zen and Spiritual Experience. By Alan Watts. Vintage, 1958, 158 pages, VSCL.
Key: (WATP)

The Way of Zen. By Alan Watts. Vintage, 1999, 256 pages, VSCL.
Key: (WATQ)

The Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety. By Alan Watts. Vintage, 1951, 152 pages, VSCL.
Key: (WATR)

Zen Effects: The Life of Alan Watts. By Monica Furlong. Skylight Paths, 2001, 2012, 235 pages, VSCL.
Key: (WATS)

How to Live a Good Life: Advice From Wise Persons. By Mike Garofalo.

Meditation: Methods, Quotes, Bibliography, Links. By Mike Garofalo.

Taoism: Scriptures, Methods, Quotes, Bibliography, Links, Poetry, Lore, History. By Mike Garofalo.

Virtue Ethics: Quotes, Bibliography, Morality, Virtues, Positive Psychology. By Mike Garofalo.

Zen Buddhism: Scriptures, Methods, Quotes, Poetry, Bibliography, Links, Lore, History. By Mike Garofalo.

The Whole World is a Single Flower (WWSF)

The Whole World is a Single Flower. WWSF By Zen Master Seung Sahn (1927-2004). 365 Kong-ans for Everyday Life with Questions and Commentary. Edited by Jane McLaughlin and Paul Muenzen. Foreword by Stephen Mitchell. Primary Point Press, Kwan Um School of Zen, Cumberland Rhode Island, 1992, Third Edition 2014, 244 pages. ISBN: 978-0-942795-17-2. VSCL, Paperback.

365 Cases in The Whole World is a Single Flower (WWSF)

Indexing by Michael P. Garofalo.

Subject Index to The Whole World is a Single Flower 365 Zen Koans. PDF, Third Version, October 3, 2023, 65 Pages.

Case Number Index to The Whole World is a Single Flower 365 Zen Koans. PDF, Third Version, October 3, 2023, 13 Pages.

Case Title Index to The Whole World is a Single Flower 365 Zen Koans. PDF, Third Version, October 3, 2023, 13 Pages.

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collection

Dropping Ashes on the Buddha: The Teachings of Zen Master Seung Sahn. By Seung Sahn. Grove Press, 2007, 258 pages.

Only Don't Know: Selected Teaching Letters of Zen Master Seung Sahn. By Seung Sahn. Shambhala, 1999, 256 pages.

Ten Gates: The Kong-an Teaching of Zen Master Seung Sahn. By Seung Sahn. Shambhala, 2007, 152 pages.

Seung Sahn Biography (1927-2004) Seungshan Haengwon Koren Zen Master in the United States

Kwan Um School of Zen

Buddhism: Bibliography, Links, Information, Resources. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo.

Koan - Wikipedia. An informative, long and useful article.

Zen and the Ways (ZWAY)

Zen and the Ways. By Trevor Leggett. Tuttlle, 1978, 1989, 1993, 258 pages. Small print, detailed, Arts, Exercise, Zen Koans. VSCL, Paperback.

Trevor Pryce Leggett (22 August 1914–2 August 2000) was a British judo teacher, author, translator, and head of the BBC's Japanese Service for 24 years. He was one of the first Europeans to study martial arts in Japan. Leggett served in the Ministry of Information during World War II. After the war, he taught judo at the Budokwai and worked in Japanese language services at the BBC. He held the title of Shihan, and the rank of 6th dan in judo from the Kodokan. Leggett helped introduce Japanese culture to the United Kingdom, and was honoured for this by being inducted into Japan's Order of the Sacred Treasure in 1984. He also produced many works on Eastern philosophy.

Subject Index to Zen and the Ways, Kamakura Koans and Notes. PDF, August 1, 2023, 5 pages.

Subject Index to 3,855 Lessons from Zen Buddhists, Solitary Taoists, and Stoics

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collection

Buddhism: Bibliography, Links, Information, Resources. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo.

Zen Buddhism: A Bibliography.  By Mike Garofalo.

Subject Index to 3,855 Lessons from Zen Buddhists, Solitary Taoists, and Stoics

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Subject Index to 1,546 Taoist Lessons, Chapters, Stories

Subject Index to 813 Stoic Lessons, Discourses, and Letters

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collection

Taoism: Bibliography, Links, Resources, Information. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo.

Zen Flesh Zen Bones: A Collection of Zen and Pre-Zen Writings. By Paul Reps and Nyogen Senzaki. Tuttle Publishing, Flaps edition, 1957, 1985, and 1998. First published in 1957. 211 pages. ISBN: 9780804831864. In 1961, this was the first book about Zen that I had ever read, and it greatly impressed and influenced me. The Gateless Gate (Mumonkan) was transcribed by Nyogen Senzaki (1876–1958) and Paul Reps (1895–1990) in 1934, and appeared in in "Zen Flesh, Zen Bones, 1958" pp. 109-161. VSCL, hardbound and paperback.

Zen's Chinese Heritage: The Masters and Their Teachings. By Andy Ferguson. Foreword by Reb Anderson. Boston, Wisdom Publications, 2000.   Glossaries, name lists, Zen lineage charty, bibliography, index, 518 pages. ISBN: 0861711637. VSCL, Paperback.

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans
Koans, Essays, Books, Lectures, Links, Information

Indexing by Michael P. Garofalo
Tenth Version, December 28, 2023. Updated Monthly. PDF, 578 Pages.
Green Way Research, Vancouver, Washington

Zen Buddhist Koans: Indexes, Information, Bibliography:
https://www.egreenway.com/buddhism/koansdup1.htm

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collections

Zen Echoes (ZE)

Zen Echoes: Classic Koans with Verse Commentaries by Three Female Chan Masters. Translated, edited, and introduction by Beata Grant. Foreword by Susan Moon. Wisdom, 2017, 176 pages. VSCL, Paperback. Professor Grant teaches at Washington University in Missouri. The Zen Echoes collection was compiled by the Female/Nun Zen Master Miaozong (1095-1170 CE). 43 Koans.

Indexed by Michael P. Garofalo in 2023.

Subject Index for the 43 Koan Cases in Zen Echoes (ZE). PDF, 5/11/2023, 12 pages.

Koan Cases in Numerical Order for the 43 Koans in Zen Echoes (ZE). PDF, 5/11/2023, 2 pages.

Subject Index to 3,855 Lessons from Zen Buddhists, Solitary Taoists, and Stoics

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collection

Buddhism: Bibliography, Links, Information, Resources. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo.

Zen Flesh Zen Bones (ZFZB)

Zen Flesh Zen Bones: A Collection of Zen and Pre-Zen Writings. By Paul Reps and Nyogen Senzaki. Tuttle Publishing, Flaps edition, 1957, 1985, and 1998. First published in 1957. 211 pages. ISBN: 9780804831864. In 1961, this was the first book about Zen that I had ever read, and it greatly impressed and influenced me. The Gateless Gate (Mumonkan) was transcribed by Nyogen Senzaki (1876–1958) and Paul Reps (1895–1990) in 1934, and appeared in in "Zen Flesh, Zen Bones, 1958" pp. 109-161. VSCL, hardbound and paperback.

Subject Index to Zen Flesh and Zen Bones. PDF, March 1, 2024, 30 pages.

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collection

Buddhism: Bibliography, Links, Information, Resources. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo.

The Zen Koan (TZK)

Test Authority: The Zen Koan: Its History and Use in Rinzai Zen. By Isshu Miura and Ruth Fuller Sasaki. Harper Brace Jovanovich, 1965, Index, Illustrations by Hauikin Ekaku, Zen Capping Phrases Anthology, 156 pages. VSCL, Paperback.

TZR includes books on: Koans Commentaries.

Subject Index to the Book "The Zen Koan" by Isshu Miura and Ruth Fuller Sasaki, 1966. PDF, September 5, 2023, 5 pages.

Zen Koans: Indexes, Bibliography, Research, Commentary. By Michael P. Garofalo.

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collection

Zen Master Raven (ZMR)

Zen Master Raven: The Teachings of a Wise Old Bird. Compiled and annotated by Robert Aitken. Illustrated by Jennifer Rain Crosby. Foreword by Nelson Foster. Wisdom, 2002, 2017, 229 pages. VSCL, Hardbound. 183 Brief Koans.
Most koans feature Master Raven giving anwers or comments, and asking follow up questions; therefore, I chose to use the character Master Raven is talking to for the Student/Learner under the index heading of "Master, Teacher." Otherwise, nearly all 183 koans would be listed under Master Raven. Just automatically assume the central teacher in nearly all these koans is Zen Master Raven.

Subject Index to Zen Master Raven's 183 Koans Collection. PDF, November 21, 2023, 28 pages.

Case Titles Index to Zen Master Raven's 183 Koans Collection. PDF, November 21, 2023, 7 pages.

Case Number Index to Zen Master Raven's 183 Koans Collection. PDF, November 21, 2023, 7 pages.

Animals and Responders Index to Zen Master Raven's 183 Koans Collection. PDF, November 21, 2023, 7 pages.

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collection

Taking the Path of Zen. By Robert Aitken. North Point Press, 1982, 149 pages.

The Gateless Barrier: The Wu-Men Kuan (Mumonkan). Translated with commentary by Robert Aitken. North Point Press, 1991, 325 pages.

Zen Master Raven. Meredith Gammon Hotetsu's Zen Blog. 183 Cases "Each post is a chapter of Robert Aitken's Zen Master Raven, with an introduction and verse by Meredith Hotetsu Garmon."

"A uniquely playful and incisive collection of Zen teaching stories from a beloved American master. A modern classic, now in a new expanded edition. In the tradition of the great koan collections and the records of ancient masters, Robert Aitken distills a lifetime of teaching down to its essence. Intriguing and deceptively simple, Zen Master Raven is a brilliant encapsulation of Zen in over a hundred koan-like encounters alongside many charming illustrations. Featuring curious beginners like Mallard and Mole and profound teachers like Brown Bear, Moose Roshi, and Zen Master Raven himself, this classic of contemporary Zen and will inspire seekers for generations to come." - Amazon

Zen Master Raven by Robert Aitken. PDF, 2010 Pages. Terebess Bootlegged Copy? Likely an unauthorized bootleg!

"In the tradition of the great koan collections and the records of ancient masters, Robert Aitken distills a lifetime of teaching down to its essence. Intriguing and deceptively simple, Zen Master Raven is a brilliant encapsulation of Zen in over a hundred koan-like encounters alongside many charming illustrations. Featuring curious beginners like Mallard and Mole and profound teachers like Brown Bear, Moose Roshi, and Zen Master Raven himself, this classic of contemporary Zen and will inspire seekers for generations to come." - Review

The Journey: Big Panda and Tiny Dragon. By James Norbury. Illustrated by James Norbury.

Big Panda and Tiny Dragon. By James Norbury. Illustrated by James Norbury.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse. By Charlie Mckesy. Illustrated.

The Complete Tales of Willie-the-Pooh. By A. A. Milne. Illustrations by Ernest H. Shepard.

The Tao of Pooh and Te of Piglet. By Benjamin Hoff.

Vegetable Roots Discourse: Wisdom from Ming China on Life and Living. By Hong Zicheng. Translated with notes by Robert Aitken. Counterpoint, 2007, 240 pages. "Written 400 years ago by a scholar in the Ming Dynasty, one hundred years after Columbus and around the time Shakespeare completed Henry VI, accomplished scholar and philosopher Hong Zicheng retired from public life and settled down to write an informal compilation of his thoughts on the essence of life, human nature, and heaven and earth. Though he wrote other books as well, only this one has survived—thanks largely to its continuous popularity, first in China and later in Japan and Korea. Entitled Caigentan (Vegetable Roots Discourse), this book has been studied and cherished for four hundred years. Terse, humorous, witty, and. above all, timely, this book offers a provocative and personal mix of Daoist, Buddhist, and Confucian understanding. It contains 360 observations that lead us through paths as complex, absurd, and grotesque as life itself. While it has been translated into many languages, this comprehensive version will immediately become the standard edition for generations of English readers to come.es."

Buddhism: Bibliography, Links, Information, Resources. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo.

Subject Index to the 33 Chapters in the Chuang Tzu = Zhuangzi (ZHUA). PDF, 4/10/2023, 20 pages.

Alphabetical List of the 33 Chapters in Chuang Tzu = Zhuangzi (ZHUA). PDF, 4/10/2023, 2 pages.

List of Chapters by Chapter Number Order in Chuang Tzu = Zhuangzi (ZHUA). PDF, 4/10/2023, 2 pages.

Subject Index to 1,546 Taoist Lessons, Chapters, Stories

Subject Index to 3,855 Lessons from Solitary Taoists, Zen Buddhists, and Stoics

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collection

The Book of Chuang Tzu. Translated by Martin Palmer and Elizabeth Breuilly. Penguin Classics, 2007, 352 pages. VSCL. 33 Stories.

Chuang-tzu: The Tao of Perfect Happiness. Translated, annotated, and explained. By Livia Kohn. Skylight, 240 pages, VSCL. 33 Stories.

Taoist Books Reading List

Taoism: Bibliography, Links, Resources, Information. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo.

Zhuang Zhou = Zhuangzi = Chuang Tzu at Wikipedia

Wandering on the Way. Early Taoist Tales and Parables of Chuang Tzu. Translated by Victor H. Mair. Bantam, 1994, 402 pages. VSCL, Paperback.

The Book of Chuang Tzu. Translated by Martin Palmer. Penguin, 1996, 320 pages, index. VSCL, Paperback.

Chuang Tzu 33 Stories. Composed around 350 BCE. Taoist Classic. Many English language translations and commentary are available.

Text Authority for Indexing: Wandering on the Way. Early Taoist Tales and Parables of Chuang Tzu. Translated by Victor H. Mair, 1994.

Taoist Books Reading List

Zhuang Zhou = Zhuangzi = Chuang Tzu at Wikipedia

Zhuangzi - Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

Zhuangzi - Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy

Taoism: Bibliography, Links, Resources, Information. Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo.

"In studying a koan two approaches are possible: one is for the student to take it up as the subject of scholastic or philosophical research, and another is to do zazen with it as a means of training. The philosophical or dogmatic studies of koan are of secondary significance because the standpoint of such studies is fundamentally different from that of true Zen training, in which the only aim is to experience and live the real working spirit of Zen."
- Zenki Shibayama, The Gateless Barrier

"If this [a scientific finding] contradicts some aspepct of Buddhist doctrine as contained in the scriptures, we have no other choice but to accept that the teaching is in need of interpretation. Thus, we cannot accept it literally simply because it has been taught by the Buddha; we have to examine whether it is contradicted by reason or not. If it does not stand up to reason, we cannot accept it literally. We have to analyze such teachings to discover the intention and purpose behind them and regard them as subject to interpretatiion. Therefore, in Buddhism great emphasis is laid on the importance of investigation."
- His Holiness the Dalai Lama XIV

"Koan: Originally a term for an official matter for which a judgment was required, it was taken over by Buddhists and used first in reference to a subject of meditation and later for a subject for which an answer was required that would demonstrate a student's understanding."
-  Red Pine, The Diamond Sutra, p. 451

"A koan is a little nugget of something an awakened master did during his lifetime."
- Henry Shukman

Zen Koans: Indexes, Bibliography, Research, Commentary. By Michael P. Garofalo.

"Master Dogen expresses his ideas in the Shobogenzo based on a pattern of four phases. First, he explains a problem from the idealistic point of view; that is, as an idea using abstract concepts. Then, immediately after this first phase, he explains the same problem, but this time from the objective, or material point of view. In other words, he gives concrete examples and facts. Then, in the next phase, he explains the problem yet a third time as a real problem; that is, on the basis of action. Of course, he cannot fully explain the reality surrounding the problem with words in a book, but he does so by bringing together the subjective viewpoint which he presents first, and the second objective viewpoint. He synthesizes the two viewpoints into a realistic appraisal of the problem based upon the philosophy of action, which states that in action, there is a synthesis of the self and the external world. And in the final phase, he tries to suggest the subtle ineffable nature of reality itself by using symbolic, poetic, or figurative forms of speech. The Shobogenzo is full of these four-phased explanations. The chapters themselves fall into four groups: theoretical, objective, realistic, and figurative or poetic."
- Master Dogen's Shinji Shobogenzo: 301 Koan Stories

"To promote full absorption in the koan and penetration of each point, many masters advocate the use of a huatou (, J., watō), a word or brief phrase that stands in for the full koan and that, with enough determination and practice, you can learn to carry in the midst of daily life and even in sleep, as well as during periods of formal, seated practice (zazen)."
- Entangling Vines

"British-American philosopher Alan Watts discovered a kindred spirit between Zen writings, haiku, and koans with beat poetry. Watts writes that it’s not about impressing the listener or conveying a grand meaning, but rather “to evoke something in the listener.” Self-discovery is the goal, he continues, which you do not reach by seeking. Rather, he writes, "It is not achieved by looking out of the corner of your eye to see if everybody else is getting the same results as you or by trying to find out what others have already discovered. It is achieved by going down into one’s own inner, secret place and asking there for a direct encounter with the world, independent of convention."
- Ten Buddhist Koans: And Why Understanding Them is Pointless

John Tarrant Introduces 8 Different Koan Types
Predicament Koans
Impossible Task Koans
Dream Body Koans
Inquiry Koans
Bright Gate Koans
Vast Emptiness Koans
Awakening Koans
Intimacy and Immerscion Koans
John Tarrant, Pacific Zen Institute

"One essential point about koan study is to reflect on the dialogue and determine exactly what is being said.  If you are assigned a koan to study, the first thing you should do is memorize it and think about it.  Just don't imagine deep realization will immediately come to you in a flash of light.  Think about the koan.  What are the people in it saying?  What is motivating them.  What is motivating you?  Which line of the koan is most important?"
-  Gerry Shishin Wick, The Book of Equanimity, 2005, p. 5

"Mind illuminates old teachings. Old teachings illuminate mind."
- Hakuin Ekaku

Books I Use in My Research and Study of Koan Collections

"Koans show you that you can depend on creative moves.
Koans encourage doubt and curiosity.
Koans rely on uncertainty as a path to happiness.
Koans will undermine your reasons and your explanations.
Koans lead you to see life as funny rather than tragic.
Koans will change your ideas of who you are, and this will require courage.
Koans uncover a hidden kindness in life."
- John Tarrant, Bring Me the Rhinoceros, p. 2

"Reflective meditation is a way of translating thoughts into the language of feeling.  It explores the relation between the way we think about and perceive things and the way we feel about them.  We find that even the strongest, seemingly self-evident intuitions about ourselves are bas on equally deep-seated assumptions.  Gradually learning to see our life in another way through reflective meditation leads to feeling different about it as well."
-  Stephen Batchelor, Buddhism Without Beliefs, 1997, p. 32 

"Don't try to hard. You show up. Trust what you don't know. Experiment. The koan can be your friend. Any part of the koan is all the koan. You don't need a special state of mind. Have confidence in yourself."
- How to Practice Zen Koans By John Tarrant

"A koan is a little nugget of something an awakened master did during his lifetime."
- Henry Shukman

"The Lin-chi master Fen-yang Shan-chao (947-1024) was the first to employ all these various trends. His "record," the Fen-yang Wu-te ch'an-shih yu-lu, includes three collections of 100 koans each. The first collection consists of old koans, for each of which Fen-yang wrote a verse epitomizing the import of the koan in poetical language. The second consists of of koans he himself had made and for which he provided his own anwswers. The third is made up of old koans, together with Fen-yang's alternative answers to them. These three collections became the models for later literary productions of a similar kind."
- Ruth Fuller Sasaki, The Zen Koan, 1965, p. 12

"Zen cherishes simplicity and straightforwardness in grasping reality and acting on it “here and now,” for it believes that a thing-event that is immediately presencing before one’s eyes or under one’s foot is no other than an expression of suchness. In other words the thing-event is disclosing its primordial mode of being such that it is as it is. It also understands a specificity of the thing-event to be a recapitulation of the whole; parts and the whole are to be lived in an inseparable relationship through an exercise of nondiscriminatory wisdom, without prioritizing the visible over the invisible, the explicit over the implicit, or vice versa."
- Japanese Zen Buddhist Philosophy - Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

"Koans are the folk stories of Zen Buddhism, metaphorical narratives that particularize essential nature. Each koan is a window that show the whole truth but just from a single vantage. It is limited in perspective.One hundred koans give one hundred vantages. When they are enriched with insightful comments and poems, then you have ten thousand vantages. There is no end to this process of enrichment."
-  Robert Aitken, 1990, Book of Serenity

"The Koans do not represent the private opinion of a single man, but rather the highest principle, received alike by us and by the hundreds and thousands of bodhisattvas of the three realms and ten directions. This principle accords with the spiritual source, tallies with the mysterious meaning, destroys birth and death, and transcends the passions. It cannot be understoord by logic; it cannot be transmitted in words, it cannot be explained in writing; it cannot be measured by reason. It is like the poisoned drum that kills all who hear it, or like a great fire that consumes all who come near it. What is called the "special transmission of the Vulture Peak" was the transmission of this; what is called "direct pointing of Bodhidharma at Shao-lin-ssu" was a pointing at this."
- Ruth Fuller Sasaki, The Zen Koan, 1965

"Pure consciousness without concepts, if there could be such a thing, would be a booming, buzzing confusion, a sensory field of flashes of light, unidentifiable sounds, ambiguous shapes, color patches without significance. This is not the consciousness of the enlightened Zen master."
- Victor Hori

"On quite a different plane, that of method, Edmund Husserl and the phenomenologists, by their very extravagances, reinstate the world in its diversity and deny the transcendent power of the reason. The spiritual universe becomes incalculably enriched through them. The rose petal, the milestone, or the human hand are as important as love, desire, or the laws of gravity. Thinking ceases to be unifying or making a semblance familiar in the guise of a major principle. Thinking is learning all over again to see, to be attentive, to focus consciousness; it is turning every idea and every image, in the manner of Proust, into a priviledged moment. What justifies thought is its extreme conscousness.."
- Albert Camus, The Myth of Sisyphus

"In the Sōtō school of Zen, Shikantaza, meditation with no objects, anchors, or content, is the primary form of practice. The meditator strives to be aware of the stream of thoughts, allowing them to arise and pass away without interference. Considerable textual, philosophical, and phenomenological justification of this practice can be found throughout Eihei Dōgen's works."

"These stories and sayings contain patterns, like blueprints, for various inner exercises in attention, mental posture, and higher perception, summarized in extremely brief vignettes enabling the individual to hold entire universes of thought in mind all at once, without running through doctrinal discourses or disrupting ordinary consciousness of everyday affairs."
-  Thomas Cleary, 1994, Instant Zen

Hua Tou (話頭, Korean: hwadu, Japanese: wato) is a form of Buddhist meditation common in the teachings of Chinese Chán and Korean Seon. Hua Tou can be translated as 'word head', 'head of speech' or 'point beyond which speech exhausts itself'.  A Hua Tou can be a short phrase that is used as a subject of meditation to focus the mind.  Hua Tou are based on the encounter-dialogues and koans of the interactions between past masters and students, but are shorter phrases than koans.  The Hua Tou method was invented by the Chinese Zen master Dahui Zonggao (1089 – 1163) who was a member of the Linji school.  Dahui was interested in teaching the lay community.  To practice Hua Tou, one concentrates on the phrase, initially repeating it silently with a questioning and open mind and then thinking about "Who" or "What" is generating the Hua Tou, this brings about "Great Doubt".  According to Chan master Sheng Yen, there are three stages of Hua Tou practice: reciting the Hua Tou, asking the Hua Tou and investigating the Hua Tou.  Through these stages it is important not to try to answer the Hua Tou intellectually, but to persistently ask the question mindfully with genuine interest and sincere desire to know. It is through this constant practice that great doubt and then insight arises.  Examples of Hua Tou are: "What is it?, What is this?  Who is repeating the Buddha's name?, Who am I?, Who is dragging this corpse around?, Mu?".  The important thing is to stick to Hua Tou at all times, when walking, lying, or standing. From morning to night observing Hua Tou vividly and clearly, until it appears in your mind like the autumn moon reflected limpidly in quiet water. If you practice this way, you can be assured of reaching the state of Enlightenment."
-  Hua Tou in Wikipedia

"There are basically two methods utilized in meditation practice in Zen Buddhism to assist the practitioner to reach the above-mentioned goals, together with a simple breathing exercise known as “observation of breath count” (sūsokukan); one is the kōan method and the other is called “just sitting” (shikan taza), a form of “single act samādhi.” For example, the former is employed mainly by the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism, while the latter by the Sōtō school; they are the two main schools of this form of the Buddha-Way still flourishing today in Japan. In the Rinzai school, the kōan method is devised to assist the practitioner to become a “Zen person” (Kasulis, 1981) who fully embodies both wisdom and compassion. A kōan is formulated like a riddle or puzzle and is designed in such a way that intellectual reasoning alone cannot solve it without breaking through the barrier of ego-consciousness by driving it to its limit. This is, Zen believes, because ego-consciousness is fortified by the shield of a dualistic conceptual paradigm with all its attendant presuppositions and conditions. The ego-consciousness of a given cultural and historical milieu accepts that paradigm to be true in order to live a life anchored in the everyday standpoint.

According to Hakuin (1685–1768), who systematized kōans, there are formally seventeen hundred cases of kōans, and if sub-questions are added to them, a total number of cases comprising the system would be roughly three thousand. The Zen practitioner of the Rinzai school is required to pass them all in a private consultation with a Zen master who checks the practitioner’s state of mind before he or she is granted a seal of transmission. This transmission is said to occur “only from a Buddha to a[nother] Buddha” (yuibutsu yobutsu).

Kōans are accordingly grouped into five categories in a most fully developed system: the first group is designed for reaching li (suchness) (richi) or the body of truth (hosshin), i.e., an enlightenment experience; the second group for a linguistic articulation (gensen) of meditational experiences in order to master the skillful use of language; the third group for those kōans truly difficult to pass (nantō); the fourth group for the practitioner to make an insight of kōan experiences pertinent to daily life (kikan) in order to embody a middle-way in which the practitioner won’t be steeped either in the state of meditation or the activity of daily life; and the fifth group for going beyond the state of buddhahood by erasing all traces of enlightenment in order to achieve a traceless enlightenment (kōjō).

The Rinzai school summarizes this process of self-cultivation in four mottoes: “being a special transmission outside of the scriptures,” “having no dependence on words and letters,” “pointing directly into [one’s] human mind,” and “seeing into [one’s] nature to become a buddha.” (See, for examples, The Gateless Gate and The Blue Cliff Record.) While the first two phrases point to the fact of discovering an extra-linguistic reality that naturally opens up in meditational experience and of articulating it linguistically in the “best” way according to the capacity of an individual practitioner, the last two phrases indicate a concretization of the original or inherent enlightenment (hongaku) in the Zen practitioner, where the original enlightenment means that human beings are innately endowed with a possibility of becoming a Buddha."
- Japanese Zen Buddhist Philosophy - Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

"In the past, kong-an practicing meant checking someone's enlightenment.  Now we use kong-ans to make our lives correct... You must use kong-ans to take away your opinions. When you take away your opinions, your mind is clear like space, which means from moment to moment you can reflect any situation and respond correctly and meticulously."
-  Seung Sahn, 1992, The Whole World is a Single Flower 

"I once said to a lady of great philosophical attainments, "I remember reading the following problem in some magazine:--
'Which of the following pictures most truly represents Peace?'
1. A fire-side scene, the kettle singing on the hop, a cat contentedly sitting there.
2. A small bird perched on a slender branch over a roaring cataract.
3. A skull and some bones in the desert.
Which of them would you choose?" (Of course you were supposed to choose No. 2.)
She answered, "A picture of two drunken louts having a fight."
- R. H. Blyth, Zen in English Literature and Oriental Classics, 1942, p. 179  

"Though Zen teachers and practitioners insist that the meaning of a koan can only be demonstrated in a live experience, and that it cannot be conveyed by texts, the Zen tradition has produced a great deal of literature, including thousands of koans and dozens of volumes of commentary.  Nevertheless, teachers have long alerted students to the danger of confusing the interpretation of a koan with the realization of a koan.  When teachers say, "do not confuse the pointing finger with the moon," they indicate that the ability to interpret koans should not be equated with enlightenment.  Understanding the literary and historical context of a koan can often remove some of the mystery surrounding it. For example, evidence suggests that when a monk asked Zhaozhou "does a dog have Buddha-nature or not?," the monk was asking a question that students had asked teachers for generations. The controversy over whether all beings have the potential for enlightenment is even older —and in fact, vigorous controversy still surrounds the matter of Buddha nature.  No amount of interpretation seems to be able to exhaust a koan; there can be no "definitive" interpretation. Teachers typically warn against over-intellectualizing koans, but some of the mystery can be dispelled by clarifying metaphors that were probably well known to monks at the time the koans originally circulated."
-  Koans: The New World Encyclopedia

Zen Koans: Indexes, Bibliography, Research, Commentary. By Michael P. Garofalo.

Non-Rational or Beyond-Rational Zen (Chan) Buddhist Meditation/Contemplation Techniques, Checking Verses, Tales, Jolts, Sparks, Songs
Brief Dialogues, Encounters, Revelations, Epipanies, Insights, Introspections, Mystical Unfolding, Kensho, Samadhi, Ecstasy, Enlightenment
Teaching, Learning, and Practices Using Zen (Rinzai and Soto Zen) Koans and Stories.
Brief Taoist stories, tales, chapters, dialogues, sparks, verses. puzzles, and questions and answers, Daoist Lore and Practices, Poetry
Brief lectures, sermons, statements, parables, stories, summaries, aphorisms, explanations, homilies
Contemplation, Rumination, Meditation, Introspection, Reflection, Thought, Intuition, Mulling, Study, Immersion, Consideration
Purpose: Insight, Understanding, Realization, Change of Heart, Awakening, Enlightenment, Clarity, Peace, Calm, Awareness, Compassion

"In the tenth century BCE, the Brahmin priests of India developed a contest called the Brahmodya that could be a model for all of us. The goal was to find a verbal formula to define the Brahman by pushing language as fare as it could go until it broke down, making the participants vividly aware of the ineffable. The challenger would as a puzzling question and his opponents='s reply had to be apt but equally inscrutable. The winner was the contestant who reduced his opponents to silence, for in that silence the Brahman was present, manifest in the stunning realization of the impotence of speech."
- Karen Armstrong, Sacred Nature, p 64.

"The Koan is a torch of wisdom that lights up the darness of feeling and discrimination, a golden scraper that cuts away the film clouding the eye, a sharp axe that severs the root of birth and death, a divine mirror that reflects the original face of both the sacred and secular. Through it the intention of the Patriarch is made abundantly clear, the Buddha-mind is laid open and revealed. For the essentials of complete transcendence, final emancipation, total penetration, and identical attainment, nothing can surpass the Koan."
- Ruth Fuller Sasaki, The Zen Koan, 1965

"The brain is wider than the sky,
For, put them side by side,
The one the other will contain
With ease, and you beside."
- Emily Dickinson

"Literally, the word koan (Chinese., kung-an) is a combination of graphs that signifies "public notice" or "public announcement."  A koan, therefore, presents a challenge and an invitation to take seriously what has been announced, to ponder it and respond to it.  But the special character of this "announcement" confronts the listener or reader with a perplexing puzzle.  One becomes confused, and the more one tries to come up with an answer and search for a solution, the more confused one gets.  The essence of of the koan is to be rationally unresolvable and thus point to what is 'arational."  The koan urges us to abandon our rational thought structures and step beyond our usual state of consciousness in order to press into new and unknown dimensions.  This is the common purpose of all koans, no mater how much they may differ in content or literary form."
-  Heinrich Dumoulin, "The Song Period: A Time of Maturation." 

"One of the great virtues of koans is they get us to think, not in an analytical way, but with our complete mind."
-  Philip Kapleau, Straight to the Heart of Zen, 2001

公案

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans
Koans, Essays, Books, Lectures, Links, Information

Indexing by Michael P. Garofalo
Tenth Version, December 28, 2023. Updated Monthly. PDF, 578 Pages.
Green Way Research, Vancouver, Washington

Zen Buddhist Koans: Indexes, Information, Bibliography:
https://www.egreenway.com/buddhism/koansdup1.htm

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collections

Subject Index to 3,055 Lessons from Zen Buddhists, Solitary Taoists, and Stoics

Subject Index to 1,975 Zen Buddhist Koans

Subject Index to 1,546 Taoist Lessons, Chapters, Stories

Subject Index to 813 Stoic Lessons, Discourses, and Letters

Keys to Zen Buddhist Koans Database Collection

Chan Insights and Oversights: An Epistemological Critique fo the Chan Tradition. By Bernard Faure. Princeton University Press, 1993, index, bibliography, notes, 322 pages. VSCL.

The Rhetoric of Immediacy: A Cultural Critique of Chan/Zen Buddhism. By Bernard Faure. Princeton UP, 1991, index, bibliography, notes, 420 pages. VSCL.

Other Critics: Arthur Koestler, Rene Etiemble, and the Four Horsemen of Atheism: Christopher Hitchens, Daniel Dennett, Richard Dawkins,
and Sam Harris, VSCL.

Bertrand Russell on God and Religion. Edited by Al Seckel. Prometheus Books, 1986, index, 250 pages, VSCL.

Buddhism Without Beliefs: A Contemporary Guide to Awakening. By Stephen Batchelor. New York, Riverhead Books, 1997.
Notes, 127 pages. VSCL.

Michael Peter Garofalo (1945-) grew up in East Los Angeles, was educated in Catholic Schools, graduated (B.A., M.S.) from local universities, married Karen, served in the US Air Force, worked in and managed many City and Los Angeles County Public Libraries, raised two children (Alicia and Michael), socialized, traveled, and learned. In 1998, we moved to a rural 5 acre property in Red Bluff, in the North Sacramento Valley, CA. A webmaster since 1999. Worked part-time for the Corning School District (Technology and Media Services Manager); and as a Yoga, Taijiquan, and fitness club instructor until 2016. Traveled extensively in Northern California, Oregon, and Washington. We both retired, and we moved to Vancouver, Washington, in 2017. Currently in 2023: reading, walking, gardening, philosophy research, writing, web publishing, monthly oceanside yurt camping retreats, family events, harmonica playing, sports events, playing Tai Chi Chuan, Yoga and Qigong, Nature mysticism, poetry research, history research, and compiling and indexing.

Cloud Hands Blog by Michael P. Garofalo

Research by Michael P. Garofalo

E-Mail 

This webpage was first published on the Internet on December 6, 2014.

This webpage was last updated, changed, reformatted, improved, edited, expanded, revised or modified on December 12, 2023. 

Green Way Research, Red Bluff, California (1998-2017); Vancouver, Washington (2017-2023)

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SUZ Subjects

Daisetsu Teitaro Suzuki Books, Lectures, Essays
Subject Index

First Version, November 19, 2023

Indexing by Michael P. Garofalo
Vancouver, WA

SUZA Essays in Zen Buddhism 1st Series
SUZB Essays in Zen Buddhism, 2nd Series
SUZC Essays in Zen Buddhistm, 3rd Series
SUZD The Field of Zen
SUVF The Manual of Zen Buddhism
SUZG Mysticism: Christian and Buddhist
SUZI Selected Writings of D. T. Suzuki
SUZK The Awakening of Zen

Zen Buddhist Koans: Indexes, Information, Bibliography:
https://www.egreenway.com/buddhism/koansdup1.htm