A Bibliography of Translations of Zen (Ch'an) Works

Abstract

THERE SEEMS to be an impression, current at least among general readers of books about Zen, if not among scholars of Chinese and Japanese, that a great many Zen texts have been translated into English and other European languages, certainly a sufficient number to warrant Western writers speaking with authority on Zen even when they are unable to handle primary source material. Actually, however, considering the countless volumes of Chinese and Japanese Zen writings existing today in their respective languages, the field of Zen literature still lies almost untouched by the translator's hand. A great deal of this field is not worth tilling, to be sure. But such literary works as are landmarks in the historical development of this important school of Buddhism, a development that extended over a period of six hundred years in China and, with much less vigor and originality, for another six hundred years in Japan, should have something of interest to offer to historians of philosophy and religion, if to no others. Though the problems involved in translating Zen texts are many and complex, they are problems that offer a challenge to the pioneer spirit looking for new frontiers. The following bibliography lists the published English, French, and German translations of Chinese and Japanese Zen texts known to the compiler. No attempt has been made, however, to include in it either the short passages from Zen texts with which the English works of D. T. Suzuki' teem or those in other books on Zen. Three major works are to be found among the nineteen titles listed. The only complete translation of any one of these that has so far appeared is the English translation of the Yiianb (1279-1368) version of The Sixth Patriarch's Suztra (II B). Of the other two major texts (X and XII), the former is represented only by two English translations of the same short excerpt, the latter by English translations of two excerpts and a German translation of the first third of the text. Of the eight minor works listed, there are complete translations of four: one French (IV), three English (VII, VIII, and XIV), and one German (XIV). There are complete English translations of three of the six short works (V, VI, and XV) and complete German trans-