In today's world, Book of Equanimity has become a topic of great importance and interest to a wide spectrum of people. From amateurs to experts, Book of Equanimity has captured attention and generated debate in multiple areas of society. Its impact has transcended geographical and cultural barriers, being the object of study and analysis in different disciplines. In this article, we will explore various aspects related to Book of Equanimity, from its origin and evolution to its implications and possible future developments. Whether it is a historical phenomenon, a relevant figure or a current topic, Book of Equanimity represents a meeting point for the exchange of ideas and knowledge, and it is necessary to understand it in its entirety to contextualize its relevance in our society.
Book of Equanimity or Book of Serenity or Book of Composure (Chinese: 從容錄, Cóngróng lù; Japanese: 従容錄, Shōyōroku) is a book compiled by Wansong Xingxiu (1166–1246), and first published in 1224. The book comprises a collection of 100 koans written by the Chan Buddhist master Hongzhi Zhengjue (1091–1157), together with commentaries by Wansong. Wansong's compilation is the only surviving source for Hongzhi's koans.
Along with The Gateless Barrier, the Book of Equanimity is considered one of the two primary compilations of Zen dialogue.Shohaku Okumura has called the collection "a classic text that is still studied by Zen students today."Reb Anderson has called it "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."Gerry Shishin Wick, who published a translation of Book of Equanimity in 2005, says "although it was collected by a master in the Soto lineage, The Book of Equanimity, they are treated as Koans in the Rinzai, some Rinzai schools, and the Soto school studied them, but more as liturgy, rather than as Koans."