Cultivating the Empty Field: The Silent Illumination of Zen Buddhist Master Hongzhi

Cultivating the Empty Field: The Silent Illumination of Zen Master Hongzhi  was recommended to me by Sensei Daishin at ZCLA. Normally, I have a lot of trouble making sense of Asian metaphors. This time, I decided to invest the effort purely out of respect for Sensei's advice. I have been well rewarded.The book (translated by Taigen Dan Leighton) is a collection of dharma talks given by Hongzhi in the 12th century. Each is quite short - often less than one page - but I found I could only read one per day if I really considered the text. In fact, I usually read a new talk every other day.I wholeheartedly recommend this book, but be warned! you must carefully consider each talk before moving to the next. It is very tempting to blow through the book as it is very short. The content is very to-the-point, but you have to exert yourself to penetrate the layers of meaning.

Cultivating the Empty Field: Honghzhi Zhengue seems more down-to-earth than some of the other Chinese Zen/Chan teachers of that era, speaking to lay people as well as monks. Not so happy with the translation, which I'm sure was worked on very carefully, but some of it just doesn't make good sense in English, and needs more commas for clarity. I hope someone else translates this, so one can compare the meanings of certain words and phrases.

I liked this beautiful translation of the work of a Buddhist master who is often overlooked. Perhaps the translator could have made more clear how this man fits into the path of enlightenment and samsara.

This is not a book for a person just beginning the exploration of Zen. Many references are made to Zen stories that the reader should be familiar with. The book is difficult to penetrate--the cultural differences between old China and the modern-day world are not easily bridged. The translator, I am sure, did the best he could, but as an former student of Chinese, I know how difficult it is to make sense of some texts. Try Hsin hsin ming if you want an understandable introduction to Zen. This book will create moderate headaches for those unprepared.

I read this shortly after it first came out. It seemed OK and I put it aside. Several years ago --and after more sitting practice and retreats-- I reread it and now I think it is a treasure. In the translated passages/poems, Hongzhi is speaking consistently from a deeply enlightened experience.Someone new to Zen may find this collection of talks from a twelfth century Chinese master fuzzy and not very helpful. But for someone with experience sitting, it is profound. Dogen also gave Hongzhi "five stars" in Shobogenzo.Hongzhi's words have become my favorite sitting companion.

Hongzhi’s poetic expression’s and deeply insightful “live words“, are essential inspiration end guidance for anyone in the Zen practice lineage, particularly with regards to the practice so of shikantaza

The silent illumination of Zen master Hongshi, is an effusive celebration of the glory of the "nameless"He uses examples from nature, of harmony and perfection, so that we can abide effortlessly in nature,and the nature of our Mind.In my top 3 books all time.

Pithy contemplations for bringing us back to the simplicity of the view. As others have mentioned this is likely most beneficial to those who have been meditating for several years or more. Though it's a Zen text it will be equally satisfying to the Mahamudra or Dzogchen practitioner.

A truly beautiful book, which I will have for life

What can I say? DEEP

Ótimo livro. Para quem se interessa por zazen, shikantaza, Dogen e a escola Soto, imprescindível. Mestre Hongzhi é citado por Dogen algumas vezes (mesmo Dogen não pertencendo à mesma linhagem), e muito elogiado. Leitura recomendada.

I enjoyed studying these phrases. There is a lot of background attached by Taigen that I found less useful.

Superb - what more to say