The Gateless Barrier: The Wu-Men Kuan (Mumonkan) Paperback – 1 January 1991

Helpful signposts to the non-rational depths of the core Zen koan Mumonkan collection. Aitken, a major figure in Western Zen, also gives excellent historical context and many illuminating contemporary parallels.Koun Yamada's commentary on the same koans in his book, The Gateless Gate, is deeper, with a clearer eye, but Aitken's careful readings are also excellent.

Nice ebook

I practiced zen with Aitken Roshi during the late 70s and early 80s for about 7 years. Recently I have been returned to my zen practice, so I thought I would buy a copy of his book. I clearly remember working with Roshi on the Mumonkan koans, but at that time my understanding was pretty muddled, and he had not yet done his translation. Reading this book some thirty years later has provided me with a much deeper understanding of these koans. Each koan is lovingly examined in depth. There are pearls of wisdom scattered on every page along with wonderful stories of people who dedicated their lives to understanding their true nature. There are endless hints to help you find the answers you seek.The book is written by a renowned zen master and unlike other translations is translated into readily accessible English. I recommend this book unreservedly and enthusiastically to all.Here is one koan/story:The priest Hsiang-yen said,"It is as though you were up in a tree hanging from a branch with your teeth.Your hands and feet can't touch any branch. Someone appears beneath the tree and asks, 'What is the meaning of Bodhidharma's coming from the West?' If you do not answer you evade your responsibility.If you do answer you lose your life. What do you do?"What do you do in such a situation?

It was thorough and informative. I enjoyed the detail. Excellent. Lots of information and direction. All kinds of help for growth, and good references to further reading. The 10 Ox drawings, and illustrations for sitting.

An absolutely wonderful book for Zen practitioners who are working on koans. It probably is a bit too specific for a reader just wanting to get introduced to Zen and koans, but I'd say it's virtually essential reading for those who are practicing Zen and working on koans. I will read and re-read this book.