Classics of Buddhism and Zen : The Collected Translations of Thomas Cleary                                             

               FIVE VOLUME SET, Shambhala publications, 1999 -2002, softcovers, condition: new.

The Classics of Buddhism and Zen: The Collected Translations of Thomas Cleary is a definitive five-volume series published by Shambhala Publications. This collection consolidates many of Cleary's most influential translations, spanning the breadth of Zen and early Buddhist traditions from China, Japan, and India. 

Series Overview

Volume One: Focuses on the Chinese Zen (Chan) tradition, featuring masters like Pai-chang and Huang-po.

Includes: Zen Lessons: The Art of Leadership, Zen Essence, The Five Houses of Zen, and Minding Mind.

Volume Two: Primarily covers Japanese Zen, specifically the works of Dogen Zenji, alongside the Carya-Gita from the Pala dynasty.

Includes: Teachings of Zen, Zen Reader, Zen Letters, and Shobogenzo: Zen Essays.

Volume Three: Explores the Sutra of Hui-neng and the Prajnaparamita ("Perfection of Wisdom") literature.

Includes: The Sutra of Hui-neng, Dream Conversations, Kensho: The Heart of Zen, and Rational Zen.

Volume Four: Concentrates on Zen Koans and classic parables, including a complete translation of the Gateless Barrier (Mumonkan).

Includes: Transmission of Light, Unlocking the Zen Koan, The Original Face, and Zen Antics.

Volume Five: Represents the broad spectrum of Buddhist philosophy, including yoga and the I Ching from a Buddhist perspective.

Includes: The Dhammapada, The Buddhist I Ching, Stopping and Seeing, Entry into the Inconceivable, and Buddhist Yoga. 

Cleary, a Harvard-trained scholar, translated from Sanskrit, Chinese, Japanese, and Pali to provide a comprehensive look at the traditions.

Each work typically includes Clearys introductions and commentaries to help modern readers navigate ancient, often paradoxical, texts.