This book by a major specialist in the history of Zen Buddhism is the first volume of fundamental research, and is dedicated to the history, philosophy and religious concepts of Zen. Starting with a consideration of the ideas of various Mahayana schools in India, to which the teachings of Zen go back, G. Dumoulin shows how, under the influence of Taoist ideas in China, Zen crystallized into an independent and unusually original school of Buddhism. The life and teachings of such outstanding Zen masters as Hui-neng, Lin-chi, Ma-zu and others are examined in detail. Particular attention is paid to the influence of Zen on various types of Chinese art and culture in general. Written in accessible language, the book can be used by philosophers, religious scholars, historians, and will also be of interest to everyone interested in the problems of the culture of Eastern countries.