Hongzhi，12th-century Chinese Zen master who was predecessor of the famed Japanese spiritual writer Dogen–is celebrated in Zen literature as one of its most artistically graceful stylists. In these inspirational writings, Hongzhi uses nature metaphors and poetical prose to articulate the experience and awareness of silent illumination，the nondual objectless meditation commonly known to modern Zen students as "just sitting." The introduction places his writings in the Zen tradition，including a discussion of the five ranks and the dialectics of Zen philosophy.
First to articulate the meditation method known to contemporary Zen practitioners as shikantaza ( ust sitting? Chinese Zen master Hongzhi is one of the most influential poets in all of Zen literature. Though he lived in the 12th century，his ideas and words resound throughout modern Zen teachings. Now，the revised translation of Hongzhi poetry，the only such volume available in English, treats readers to his profound wisdom and beautiful literary gift.
In addition to dozens of Hongzhi religious poems, translator D. Leighton offers an extended introduction，placing the master work in its historical context，as well as lineage charts and other information about the Chinese influence on Japanese Soto Zen. No Zen library would be complete without the definitive collection of Hongzhi work on its shelves.
