The Book of Serenity is an interpretation of Shoyo Roku, an assortment of 100 Zen koans with discourses that stands next to the Blue Cliff Record (Pi Yen Lu). An example of Chan (Chinese Zen) Buddhism, the Book of Serenity has been translated into English by the eminent interpreter Thomas Cleary.

Aggregated in China in the twelfth century, the Book of Serenity is, in the expressions of Zen educator Tenshin Reb Anderson, “an auspicious peak in the mountain range of Zen literature, a subtle flowing stream in the deep valleys of our teaching, a treasure house of inspiration and guidance in studying the ocean of Buddhist teachings.”

Each one of its 100 sections starts with a presentation, alongside a fundamental case, or koan, taken from a Zen legend or Buddhist sacred text. This is trailed by analysis on the primary case, refrains roused by it, and, at last, further editorial on these. The book contains a glossary of Zen/Chan terms and analogies.

Koan Excerpt One from the Book of Serenity:

Dizang asked Xiushan, “Where do you come from?”

Xiushan said, “From the South.”

Dizang said, “How is Buddhism in the South these days?”

Xiushan said, “There is extensive discussion””

Dizang said, “How can that compare to me here planting the fields and making rice to eat?”

Xiushan said, “What can you do about the world?”

Dizang said, “What do you call the world?”

Koan Excerpt Two from the Book of Serenity:

The Emperor asked Bodhidharma,
“What is the ultimate meaning in Buddhism?’
Bodhidharma replied, “Vast emptiness, no holiness.”
The Emperior asked “Who are you?”
Bodhidharma replied: “I don’t know?

More about Zen Koans.