Three Chan Classics
Chan · Linji, Wumen & the Faith-Mind Maxim
Three Chan Classics collects the teachings of Linji, the Wumen koan collection, and the Faith-Mind Maxim.
Contents
- The Recorded Sayings of Linji · J. C. Cleary · pp. 1–63
- Wumen’s Gate · J. C. Cleary · pp. 67–112
- The Faith-Mind Maxim · Yoshida Osamu · pp. 115–129
Translations & sourcesEditions & translators
BDK’s free PDF includes the Recorded Sayings of Linji, Wumen’s Gate (Mumonkan), and the Faith-Mind Maxim (Xinxinming).
Edition & attribution
An introduction. Follow the source link below to explore the translated work.
Introductions, reflection questions and added section headings are editorial material, separate from the attributed translation.
The opening image is AI-generated nature artwork created for Buddhist Atlas. It is an evocative companion, not a depiction of the text’s historical setting.
translation · free PDF
Source link checked October 1, 2026. The linked publisher provides the text and its usage terms.
Connections
Guru Viking3
- Ep180: Zen & the Art Of Being Funny - Jack Haubner 2
Reference checked in captions.
Source
- Ep168: Trust in Awakening - Stephen Snyder & Mark Mininberg
Reference checked in captions.
Source
- Ep105: Simply Always Awake - Dr Angelo Dilullo
Reference checked in captions.
Source
People & teachers1
- Huineng
Related Chan voice: the teacher portrayed in the Platform Sūtra.
Source
Traditions & history6
- Chan · roots of Zen
Historical setting of recorded sayings and kōan literature.
Source
- Japanese Rinzai Zen
Japanese reception of the Linji teaching tradition.
Source
- Chan · Seon · Thiền · Zen
Study context: this text is included in the Atlas guide to Chan · Seon · Thiền · Zen.
- Chinese Chan
Study context: this text is included in the Atlas guide to Chinese Chan.
- Rinzai
Study context: this text is included in the Atlas guide to Rinzai.
- Ōbaku
Study context: this text is included in the Atlas guide to Ōbaku.
Books2
- Hidden Zen: Practices for Sudden Awakening and Embodied Realization
A modern Rinzai practice companion for the tradition of Linji.
Source
- Silent Illumination: A Chan Buddhist Path to Natural Awakening
A modern Chan practice companion from the silent-illumination tradition.
Source
Topics2
- Mindfulness & awareness
Explore Mindfulness & awareness across the Atlas.
- Emptiness & not-self
Explore Emptiness & not-self across the Atlas.
Make yourself comfortable
About this textContext & reading guide
This collection gathers the Recorded Sayings of Linji, Wumen’s Gate and the Faith-Mind Maxim. Together they introduce teaching encounters, kōan literature and a compact verse expression of Chan practice.
Their styles differ from a step-by-step meditation manual. Read an individual encounter with its commentary and historical setting before treating a striking phrase as a free-standing instruction.