The Story of Chinese Zen begins with the premise that the climate during Shakyamuni's founding of Buddhism in India ultimately influenced the differences behind Hinayana and Mahayana thought, practice, and methods of seeking realization. From there - beginning with its transmission to China - Master Nan outlines the Zen School, exploring influences on the development of Zen before the early T'ang dynasty, different means of studying Zen and pursuing "the heart and goal of Zen." He explores the relationship between Zen and neo-Confucianism and the inseparability of religion and Zen from Chinese literature and philosophy, especially Taoism.