Blue Cliff Record (Bìyán Lù)

Text

A Song-dynasty kōan collection: 100 cases originally selected and versed by Xuedou Chongxian (980–1052), each surrounded by Yuanwu's pointer, capping phrases, and prose commentary (compiled c. 1125). Its dense layering of citation and poetry is the model for the entire kōan-commentary genre. Reportedly burned by Yuanwu's heir Dahui Zonggao to discourage formulaic study, then reconstructed in 1300.

tr. Thomas Cleary & J. C. Cleary, The Blue Cliff Record, Shambhala 1977 (3 vols.)

license: fair_use

Original language

Attribution

• Attributed To
  Yuanwu Keqin

Lineage: Linji

By Yuanwu Keqin

• The Undivided Fieldproverb
• Pivoting on the Jewel-Mirrorproverb
• Pointer and Verseproverb
• Incense Stick on the Iron Anvilproverb
• Passing Onproverb

From Blue Cliff Record

• Body Exposed in the Golden Wind
• The Seamless Monument
• A Flower in a Dream
• Nothing Within, Nothing Without
• Verse on Case 1: Bodhidharma's Vast Emptiness
• Verse on Case 6: Yunmen's Every Day Is a Good Day
• Verse on Case 14: Yunmen's Appropriate Statement

Sources

• contentThe Blue Cliff Record — R.D.M. Shaw translation, 1961

  R.D.M. Shaw (trans.)

  Translator's introduction

  The Blue Cliff Record is the classical collection of Chan kōan commentaries: one hundred cases with Xuedou's verses, set off by Yuanwu's prose introductions, capping phrases, and notes.