The Blue Cliff Record

The Blue Cliff Record(Chinese Biyanlu, Japanese Hekiganroku) is widely considered one of the most important classics of the Chan (Zen) school of Buddhism. Composed in China during the Song Dynasty (960-1276 C.E.), when Chan literature reached its zenith of development, The Blue Cliff Record soon gained widespread acceptance in Chan circles. It consists of one hundred excerpts from ancient Chan lore and Buddhist scripture, each illustrated in verse by the great Chan poet Xuedou Qiongxhian (980-1052) and elucidated in prose by the noted Chan teacher Yuanwu Kequin (1063-1135).