Treasury of the Eye of True Teaching

Classic Stories, Discourses, and Poems of the Chan Tradition

By: Dahui, Thomas Cleary - translator

Narrated by: Keong Sim

Treasury of the Eye of True Teaching (Chinese Zhengfayanzang) stands as among the greatest classics of Chan (Chinese Zen) Buddhism, combining speeches, stories, dialogues, poems, and commentaries that the influential master Dahui (1089-1163) extracted from Chan lore. Compiled by Dahui's students during Song Dynasty China, this work is replete with the enigmatic, paradoxical wisdom for which Zen Buddhism is so well known.

Central to this collection is the notion of "great doubt" in matters of language, conceptual thinking, and how we conceive of our existence. By working with great doubt through koan introspection and other meditative practices, a practitioner is able to push themself to the limits of ideas and concepts until a breakthrough to enlightenment is achieved. In the words of Dahui, "Within great doubt there necessarily exists great enlightenment."

A fascinating compendium of literary and spiritual puzzles, Treasury of the Eye of True Teaching will challenge and inspire listeners to work with great doubt themselves and to discover their inborn potential for enlightenment. Masterfully translated by one of America's foremost translators of Chinese classics into English, it is a captivating window into the literary world of Chinese Zen and essential for students of all Zen schools today.

©2022 Kazuko Cleary (P)2022 Tantor

The clarity and directness

For enlightened teachers only- this book presents many examples of the successes and abject failure of historical teachers. Blue Cliff Record is recommended preparatory reading.

wonderful collection

excellent koan and teisho collection that will stand up to repeat listens. it begs for repeat listens and notes. you will stop the player sometimes and just have to let the moment breathe. the family sickness will spread.