A fresh translation and commentary on a classic collection of 100 koans from thirteenth-century China. The Record of Empty Hall was written by Xutang Zhiyu (1185-1269), an important figure in Chinese Linji Chan (Japanese Rinzai Zen) Buddhism and in its transmission to Japan. Although previously little-known in the West, Xutang's work is on par with the other great koan collections of the era, such as The Blue Cliff Record and Book of Serenity. Translated by Zen teacher Dosho Port from the original Chinese, The Record of Empty Hall opens new paths into the earthiness, humor, mystery, and multiplicity of meaning that are at the heart of koan inquiry. Inspired by the pithy, frank tone of Xutang's originals, Port also offers his own commentaries on the koans, helping readers to see the modern and relatable applications of these thirteenth-century encounter stories. Readers familiar with koans will recognize key figures, such as Bodhidharma, Nanquan, and Zhaozhou and will also be introduced to teaching icons not found in other koan collections. Through his commentaries, as well as a glossary of major figures and an appendix detailing the cases, Port not only opens up these remarkable koans but also illuminates their place in ancient Chinese, Japanese, and contemporary Zen practice.

Navigate a forgotten classic poem and enrich your practice with famed Zen master Sekkei Harada. Three of the most pressing issues in any discussion of modern Zen are the true nature and function of Dharma transmission, how to appropriately practice with koans, and how to understand the "just sitting" of Soto Zen. Zen master Sekkei Harada uses the enigmatic "Ten Verses of Unfathomable Depth" as the basis of his practical and theoretical discussion of these concerns. Unfathomable Depths presents a concise treatment of Soto theory and practice, while delivering approachable and workable advice from one of Zen's most esteemed teachers. Rooting himself in Tong'an Changcha's classical poem, Harada intimately speaks to the world of Zen today.

‘Some day the war will be over and we shall meet again – or we shall meet if we can bear to face the chairs that will stand empty.’ Rev J H Hopkinson –Hulme Hall Warden 1905–1914 writing in January 1916 to the Hulme Hall community Established in 1870 as a Church of England Hall of Residence for students of Owens College, Manchester, Hulme Hall has grown and adapted to meet the changing face of university life in Manchester over the past 147 years. The Hulme Hall community faced its biggest examination throughout the First World War. 250 students and staff of Hulme Hall served in the armed forces between 1914 and 1919. This figure accounts for over 50% of the total number of students who passed through the Hall after it reopened in 1887. Forty did not return home. The first to be killed was Second Lieutenant Wilfred Trevelyan who was hit by shrapnel whilst repairing a support trench near Ypres in May 1915. The last was Major Ernest Cunliffe who passed away in the Lake District in March 1919 after contracting an illness whilst serving at Military hospitals in Manchester and France. Very few books focus on the life and times of a particular hall of residence during the First World War. Piecing together never before published letters, photographs and documents, Chairs that Stand Empty captures the characters and heart-breaking stories behind the names on the Hulme Hall War Memorial. Stories such as those of; Charles Hamilton Murray Chapman; whose family posthumously published the children’s book he had painstakingly written and illustrated before the start of the war. Friends Wilfred Treveylan and James Henderson; who went off to war together in 1915. Wilfred was killed shortly after arriving in France whilst James went to on win the Military Cross only days later when fighting desperately against wave after wave of enemy attacks. Robert Bedford; who wrote vividly of his time in Gallipoli, Sinai and finally France; particularly touching is his record of seeing bodies his friends lying in the Gallipoli heat after failed attacks in August 1915. Harold Swift’s wife, Muriel; who discovered the heartbreaking news her husband had died a month after his death when reading the casualty lists published in the Australian press. Arthur Lord; who fought overseas underage. Wounded twice and prompted to Captain by the age of 19, he twice lied about his age on his medical board forms to avoid questions back in England. Kenneth Barry; who reluctantly gave up his studies to enlist. He was hoping the war would soon be over so he could continue at Hulme Hall. He never returned.

Having been a songwriter most of my life, condensing my ideas and emotions into short rhyming couplets and setting them to music, I had never really considered writing a book, but upon arriving at the reflective age of fifty, I found myself drawn, for the first time, to write long passages that were as stimulating and intriguing to me as any songwriting I had ever done. And so 'Broken Music' began to take shape. It is a book about the early part of my life, from childhood through adolescence, right up to the eve of my success with the Police. It is a story very few people know. I had no interest in writing a traditional autobiographical recitation of everything that's ever happened to me. Instead I was drawn to exploring specific moments, certain people and relationships, and particular events which still resonate powerfully for me as I try to understand the child I was, and the man I became. STIN