Bright_Moon Posted July 19, 2010 Hello. This is my first post as I am new to this forum and to Eastern thought in a way. I have just finished reading a book called Caigentan (Vegetable Root Discourse) by Hong Zicheng. I was wondering if anyone else has read the book and what they thought of it? I read the recent Robert Aitken release but am not sure as to if this translation is the definitive work on the book. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vegetable-Roots-Discourse-Wisdom-Living/dp/1593761201/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279518651&sr=8-2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
forestofemptiness Posted July 20, 2010 I've been reading this translation by William Scott Wilson each day at work. I think it's a great book for everyday life. I have just finished reading a book called Caigentan (Vegetable Root Discourse) by Hong Zicheng. I was wondering if anyone else has read the book and what they thought of it? I read the recent Robert Aitken release but am not sure as to if this translation is the definitive work on the book. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Franklin Posted July 20, 2010 i really like that book i have a translation by thomas cleary titled- back to beginnings http://www.amazon.com/Back-Beginnings-Shambhala-Centaur-Editions/dp/1570623775 it is a small pocket size book- great to carry around also here is a 1925 translation online http://www.themista.com/freeebooks/chvege.htm the person who put this up says they are also a volunteer for Project Gutenberg so i am guessing the text falls within the public domain franklin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bright_Moon Posted July 20, 2010 Thank you both very much. I know I have found the book to be really helpful to me. Either of you have a favorite passage/quote? I was listening to an audio book of recordings by philosopher Alan Watts the other day and he mentions that the ancients would have read passages whilst playing an instrument similar to the Japanese Koto. It created an amazing atmosphere. My favorite is the passage Watts reads in this same style in the audiobook "Alan Watts Teaches Meditation". "The just man has no mind to seek happiness, heaven therefore, because of this mindlessness, opens it's inmost heart. The bad man busies himself with avoiding misfortunes, heaven therefore confounds him for this desire. How unsearchable are the ways of heaven, how useless the wisdom of men." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
