Philip B Yampolsky

The Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch - Translations from the Asian Classics Philip B Yampolsky 6 Rev edition

Jacket Description/Back: 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. Review Quotes: "(This) translation of one of the most famous of all Chinese Ch'an texts is certainly the best rendition so far. Without sacrificing scholarly accuracy, Yampolsky has produced a lucid and idiomatic translation which even the layman can enjoy." -- "Books Abroad"Review Quotes: "Remarkable.... Dr. Yampolsky's study is characterized by a clarity of presentation and a thoroughness of exploration of Chinese and Japanese sources." -- "Literature East and West"Review Quotes: "Remarkable.... Dr. Yampolsky's study is characterized by a clarity of presentation and a thoroughness of exploration of Chinese and Japanese sources." -- Literature East and West Review Quotes: "(This) translation of one of the most famous of all Chinese Ch'an texts is certainly the best rendition so far. Without sacrificing scholarly accuracy, Yampolsky has produced a lucid and idiomatic translation which even the layman can enjoy." -- Books Abroad Review Quotes:"Remarkable.... Dr. Yampolsky's study is characterized by a clarity of presentation and a thoroughness of exploration of Chinese and Japanese sources." -- "Literature East and West"Review Quotes:"(This) translation of one of the most famous of all Chinese Ch'an texts is certainly the best rendition so far. Without sacrificing scholarly accuracy, Yampolsky has produced a lucid and idiomatic translation which even the layman can enjoy." -- "Books Abroad"Review Quotes: As an initiation into the international field of foundational scholarly research on the "Platform Sutra" Yampolsky's detailed and illuminating introductory remarks to his carefully nnotated translation remain indispensable...--T. H. Barrett, SOAS, University of London"Journal of Bulletin of School of Oriental and African Studies" (01/01/0001) Biographical Note: Phillip B. Yampolsky was Professor of East Asian Languages and Cultures at Columbia University until his death in 1996. Marc Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 191-204) and index.; Translated from the Chinese. Table of Contents: Introduction: CH' AN IN THE EIGHTH CENTURYI. The Formation of the LegendThe Lankavatara SchoolShen-huiII. The Birth of a Patriarch: Biography of Hui-nengIII. The Making of a Book: "The Platform Sutra"IV. Content AnalysisTHE PLATFORM SUTRA OF THE SIXTH PATRIARCHTHE TUN-HUANG TEXTPublisher Marketing: 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.

Contributor Bio:  Yampolsky, Philip B Phillip B. Yampolsky was Professor of East Asian Languages and Cultures at Columbia University until his death in 1996.