A classic edition includes a 49th case composed by Anwan (pen name for Zheng Qingzhi [zh]) in 1246.
Wuliang Zongshou also supplemented the volume with a verse of four stanzas composed in 1230 about the three checkpoints of Zen master Huanglong.
Along with the Blue Cliff Record and the oral tradition of Hakuin Ekaku, The Gateless Gate is a central work much used in Rinzai School practice.
The text was originally prepared by Wumen as a record of his teaching during a monastic training period held at Longxiang (Soaring Dragon) monastery in the summer of 1228.
As was customary in China at the time, an edition might have additions of text inserted by a subsequent owner or publisher.