KOAN Meaning and
Definition
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A koan is a term originating from Zen Buddhism, referring to a paradoxical or enigmatic question posed to a disciple by a Zen master as a means of leading them towards enlightenment. This obscure and puzzling question serves as a tool to train the mind and aid in the development of deeper insights and understanding.
The word "koan" is derived from the Chinese term "gong'an," meaning "public record" or "case." These koans often take the form of engaging dialogues, stories, or phrases that defy rational contemplation, as their purpose is to move beyond the limitations of ordinary logical thinking.
Renowned koan examples include "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" and "What was your face before your parents were born?" These inquiries challenge the disciples' reliance on analytical reasoning and provoke them to delve into a state of deep introspection, transcending ordinary dualistic modes of thought. By perplexing the mind, koans aim to disrupt habitual patterns of thinking and awaken enlightenment or spiritual realization.
In Zen practice, a disciple engages in prolonged contemplation of a specific koan under the guidance of a teacher. This process involves focusing deeply on the koan, repeatedly asking the question, and exploring its layers of meaning. Through sustained and concentrated practice, the practitioner endeavors to penetrate the koan's essence, leading to a transformative shift in perception and a direct realization of fundamental truths beyond conceptual understanding.
Common Misspellings for KOAN
Etymology of KOAN
The word "koan" originated from the Chinese term "gong'an", which is a combination of two characters: "gong" meaning "public" or "official", and "an" meaning "case" or "record". In Chinese, it referred to a legal case record or a document related to public law.
During the spread of Buddhism to China, the term "gong'an" was adapted to refer to a collection of sayings or dialogues used as a method of meditation or training in Zen Buddhism. When Zen Buddhism spread to Japan, the term underwent further adaptation, becoming "koan" in the Japanese language.
In the context of Zen Buddhism, a koan is a paradoxical or nonsensical question or statement given by a Zen master to a student, aiming to challenge their logical and conceptual mind and provoke non-dualistic thinking.
Similar spelling words for KOAN
- koran,
- moan,
- Koen,
- kohan,
- KONO,
- roan,
- konoye,
- kan.,
- kohn,
- koine,
- koon,
- kohen,
- komi,
- koehne,
- konoe,
- loan,
- koehn.
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