Koan
Table of Contents
Source: Wikipedia
A kōan is a story, dialogue, question, or statement from the Chinese Chan-lore, supplemented with commentaries, that is used in Zen practice to provoke the “great doubt” and initial insight of Zen-students. Prolonged koan-study shatters small-minded pride of, and identification with, this initial insight, and spurs further development of insight and compassion, and integration thereof in daily life and character.
A word riddle expressed by Zen Buddhists to evoke enlightenment by revealing the inadequacy of logic. These riddles are intentionally structured as to negate the mind’s ability to apply reason. This is intended to grant the pupil peace, not of mind but from it.
- Koans are one of the most meaningful practices in Zen Buddhism.
- Usually translated as “nonsensical,” the sentences have much greater purpose.
- Breaking beyond concepts in meditation is a driving factor of the koan.