Synopses & Reviews
The Platform Sutra records the teachings of Hui-neng, the Sixth Patriarch, who is revered as one of the two great figures in the founding of Ch'an (Zen) Buddhism. This translation is the definitive English version of the eighth-century Ch'an classic.
Phillip B. Yampolsky has based his translation on the Tun-huang manuscript, the earliest extant version of the work. A critical edition of the Chinese text is given at the end of the volume.
Dr. Yampolsky also furnishes a lengthy and detailed historical introduction which contains much information hitherto unavailable even to scholars, and provides the context essential to an understanding of Hui-neng's work. He gives an account of the history and legends of Ch'an Buddhism, with particular attention to the traditions associated with Hui-neng, quoting or summarizing the most important narratives. He then discusses the various texts of the Platform Sutra, and analyzes its contents.
Review
"(This) translation of one of the most famous of all Chinese Ch'an texts is certainly the best rendition so far. Without sacraficing scholarly accuracy, Yampolsky has produced a lucid and isiomatic translation which even the layman can enjoy." Books Abroad
Review
"Remarkable... Dr. Yamppolsky's study is characterized by a clariyy of presentation and a thoroughness of exploration of Chinese and Japanese sources." Literature East and West
About the Author
Philip B. Yampolsky is Professor of East Asian Languages and Cultures at Columbia University.