Among the most important texts of Oen literature is the Lin-chi lu, which details the insights and exploits of the great ninth-century Chinese Oen master Lin-chi, one of the most highly regarded of the T´ang period masters. PEN Translation Prize-winner Burton Watson presents an eloquent translation of this seminal classic for modern readers -the only English-language version of the Lin-chi lu available.
Lin-chi´s style of Oen -encouraging the use of unorthodox teaching methods and stressing the importance of koan study -is well known to Western readers and scholars, and is beautifully rendered in Watson´s translation. The work is an exacting depiction of Lin-chi´s words and actions, describing the Oen master´s life and teachings and including a number of his sermons, long recognized for their brisk, evocative language. Watson contributes a lucid introduction, as well as a glossary and notes.