The classic Chinese novel: "Imagine a combination of picaresque novel, fairy tale, fabliau, Mickey Mouse, Davy Crockett, and Pilgrim's Progress" ( The Nation).Probably the most popular book in the history of the Far East, this classic sixteenth-century novel is a combination of picaresque novel and folk epic that mixes satire, allegory, and history into a rollicking adventure. It is the story of the roguish Monkey and his encounters with major and...

''The Way and Its Power: A Study of the Tao Tê Ching and Its Place in Chinese Thought'' is a seminal work by renowned British sinologist and translator Arthur Waley. Originally published in 1934, the book is widely celebrated as one of the most authoritative, scholarly English translations of Lao Tzu’s ancient text, the Tao Te Ching. Waley’s treatment of the text remains unique and influential due to several distinct characteristics: Unlike many translations before it that relied heavily o...

The classic Chinese novel: “Imagine a combination of picaresque novel, fairy tale, fabliau, Mickey Mouse, Davy Crockett, and Pilgrim’s Progress” (The Nation). Probably the most popular book in the history of the Far East, this classic sixteenth-century novel is a combination of picaresque novel and folk epic that mixes satire, allegory, and history into a rollicking adventure. It is the story of the roguish Monkey and his encounters with major and minor spirits, gods, demigods, demons, ogr...

"The Poet Li Po" is a captivating collection that brings to life the works of the renowned Tang dynasty poet Li Po, also known as Li Bai. His poetry is celebrated for its vivid imagery, emotional depth, and exploration of themes such as nature, friendship, and the joys of wine. Arthur Waley's translation captures the essence of Li Po's lyrical genius, making it accessible to modern readers. The collection showcases the beauty of classical Chinese poetry and invites readers to immerse thems...

In this unforgettable book, Arthur Waley brings together a number of his articles, poems and translations. Included in this collection are pieces on the eighth-century Chinese poet Ts’ên Shên and the great Chinese prose writer, Han Yü, as well as some of Waley’s original poems and stories. But the most compelling is ‘The Secret History of the Mongols’, consisting of long extracts from a thirteenth-century Chinese saga. Written in vivid, elegant prose, it recounts fantastic tales of epic ba...

In Zen Buddhism and Its Relation to Art, Arthur Waley explores the profound connections between Zen Buddhist philosophy and artistic expression. The work delves into how Zen principles—such as simplicity, spontaneity, and mindfulness—manifest in various art forms, including painting, poetry, and calligraphy. Waley articulates the idea that Zen encourages an aesthetic of direct experience and authenticity, where the artist seeks to convey an immediate perception of reality rather than an id...

My office on this occasion is one which I may well carry as lightly as possible. In our society, I am told, one needs an introduction to a beautiful woman; but I have never heard of men needing an introduction to a beautiful song. Prose before poetry is an unmeaning interruption; for poetry is perhaps the one thing in the world that explains itself. The only possible prelude for songs is silence; and I shall endeavour here to imitate the brevity of the silence as well as its stillness. Thi...

"A Hundred and Seventy Chinese Poems" serves as a comprehensive anthology that delves into the rich tapestry of Chinese poetic tradition, encompassing various dynasties and styles. The collection showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of Chinese poets, from the terse elegance of Classical verse to the evocative imagery characteristic of Tang poetry. With meticulous attention to the nuances of language, the poems illustrate not only the aesthetic beauty of their form but also the philosophic...

The Real Tripitaka gives an account of the seventh century pilgrim's adventures, spiritual and material, both in India and after his return to China. That legendary journey was fictionalized in the classic Journey to the West, translated in part by Waley. In addition this book contains an account of a Japanese pilgrim's visit to China in the ninth century, which describes the Wu-t'ai Shan, China's great place of Pilgrimage, and an eyewitness' account of the great persecution of Buddhism in...

The No Plays of Japan is a collection and translation by Arthur Waley that introduces the Western world to the traditional Japanese Noh drama. Noh, a theatrical form that originated in the 14th century, is known for its slow, stylized movements, minimalistic staging, and deep philosophical themes. Waley's translation includes a selection of Noh plays that reflect the spiritual and poetic nature of the genre, often focusing on themes of love, death, and the supernatural.The collection inclu...

Chapters include: Zen Buddhism; Buddhist Sects; Buddhapriya; Later Development of Zen; The Zen Masters; Fashionable Zen; Obaku; Baso; Rinzai; Zen and Art; and, The Rokutsuji School.Books on the Far East often mention a sect of Buddhism called Zen. They say that it was a "school of abstract meditation" and that it exercised a profound influence upon art and literature; but they tell us very little about what Zen actually was, about its relation to ordinary Buddhism, its history, or the exac...

In "Zen Buddhism, and Its Relation to Art," Arthur Waley presents a nuanced exploration of how Zen philosophy intricately informs artistic expression. Utilizing a blend of scholarly analysis and lyrical prose, Waley examines the essential principles of Zen'—such as spontaneity, simplicity, and an appreciation for transience'—and how they manifest in various art forms, especially in Japanese culture. His work is contextualized within broader discussions of Eastern philosophies and their imp...