The Gateless Gate: The Classic Book of Zen Koans Paperback – June 15, 2004

I'd like to write a review, however, the point of this work is that words can never describe or reflect the true meaning of our existence. Just get the book and remember that your intellect isn't the key to achieving enlightenment.

Even if you're not into Buddhism you may get something profound from these Koans (A koan is like a poem that tries to teach a lesson which hopes to provide wisdom and enlightenment, very similar to a fable, only shorter and more confusing). I'm not a Buddhist myself but am interested in its teachings and found this book to be, indescribably calming. I only understood, or think I understood, about 60% of the koans, but that was enough to make me really think. I've not been quite the same since reading it. And now I've gone and lost my copy and will buy another.

Koans and explanations. The seller did a wonderful job with packaging. Book is in almost new condition.

I knew nothing about Zen or Buddhism before reading this book. The breakdown of each koan is very helpful. It is like watching a grandmaster play chess and explain the reason for each and every move he makes. At the outset the koans seem like incomprehensible pieces of fine literary work. About quarter of the way through the book things start to click and make sense. I'm very happy I bought this book and plan rereading it then buying the blue cliff records next. I give the book 4 stars because there should be a better description of how each case is set up and explained along with its respective commentary however, the content is priceless.

I enjoyed reading the 48 stories that do not make sense spoken by highly intelligent people. There is a point to all of them and it is helpful that there is commentary by multiple people after each one. They all were told hundreds of years ago so I found it impossible to have the aha moment with all but a couple of the stories. You should come away from reading this wiser and better able to problem solve in your everyday life. Highly recommended.

Yamouda's translation, and commentary to The Mumukon sits atop the heap of all great, classical translations of beloved spiritual guides to any mystical tradition. It can stand alone as a beacon, or it can be used to light the way through other important, but less ably translated, spiritual guides. I give The Gateless Gate in this translation my highest recommendation. Were this book the only guide to spiritual practice available to a pilgrim, I would count that pilgrim well-equipped to follow the Buddhist, mystical oath.

Classic... v v v v v. V v v v v. V v. V v. Vv vv. Vv. V. V v

I find myself reading and rereading this book, and gaining new insights from every passage each time as though I'm reading it for the first time. The translation of the Koans are excellent, and Koun Yamada brings great insight to the meaning, and non-meaning of the great Zen Master Mumon's words.If you're interested in Zen, but don't know where to start, look no further! This book is truly priceless.