This is an indispensable text in the Mahayana and, within the Mahayana, Zen traditions. The translation is interspersed with extensive notes and commentaries from classic ancient Chinese and Korean commentators, and includes honest discussions of possible variant translations of difficult phrases. Highly recommended to anyone with a serious interest in the root texts of the Mahayana tradition.

There has perhaps been no other more influential force in Japanese religious and societal beliefs than Kobo Daishi Kukai. This book tells the life of this colorful saint of the Japanese people, and presents an explanation of his thoughts and teachings. Here, the major religious writings of Kukai are translated, allowing the reader to glimpse at the depths of Japanese esoteric thought.