Koan
noun
A koan is a paradoxical statement or question in Zen Buddhism used to aid meditation or provoke enlightenment.
The Zen master assigned a koan to the student to deepen his understanding of enlightenment.
Often appears as...
- grappling with a koan
- discussing a koan
Usage tips
Neutral
Zen koan, koan study, classic koan
noun
A koan is a paradoxical statement or question in Zen Buddhism used to aid meditation or provoke enlightenment.
The Zen master assigned a koan to the student to deepen his understanding of enlightenment.
Often appears as...
- grappling with a koan
- discussing a koan
Usage tips
Neutral
Zen koan, koan study, classic koan
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Meditation
A koan is often used during meditation as a focal point for deep thought.
During meditation, I contemplated a difficult koan.
Pro Tip 2/3Philosophical Inquiry
Engaging with a koan can lead to profound philosophical insights.
The koan prompted him to think deeply about existence.
Pro Tip 3/3Paradoxical Nature
Understanding a koan can be challenging due to its paradoxical nature.
The nature of the koan is inherently paradoxical.
Pro Tip 1/3Meditation
A koan is often used during meditation as a focal point for deep thought.
During meditation, I contemplated a difficult koan.
Pro Tip 2/3Philosophical Inquiry
Engaging with a koan can lead to profound philosophical insights.
The koan prompted him to think deeply about existence.
Pro Tip 3/3Paradoxical Nature
Understanding a koan can be challenging due to its paradoxical nature.
The nature of the koan is inherently paradoxical.
Pro Tip 1/3Meditation
A koan is often used during meditation as a focal point for deep thought.
During meditation, I contemplated a difficult koan.
Pro Tip 2/3Philosophical Inquiry
Engaging with a koan can lead to profound philosophical insights.
The koan prompted him to think deeply about existence.
Pro Tip 3/3Paradoxical Nature
Understanding a koan can be challenging due to its paradoxical nature.
The nature of the koan is inherently paradoxical.
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