Understanding Praj

Can enlightenment be attained through words? Understanding Praj addresses this perennial issue in the study of mysticism through the work of Sengzhao (374-414), a Buddhist scholar-monk whose essay on praj (wisdom) created a sensation in early medieval China. Drawing on contemporary hermeneutic theory, this book presents a close reading of Sengzhaos work, placing it in proper context while highlighting his masterful techniques for conveying wisdom beyond ordinary language. Understanding Praj includes translations of Sengzhaos essay and his correspondence with Liu Yimin, a hermit-scholar who yearned to grasp the Buddhas sage wisdom.