Koan

usgb/ˈkoʊ.ɑːn/
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.
Visual representation of "koan" - A koan is a paradoxical statement or question in Zen Buddhism used to aid meditation or provoke enlightenment.

Often appears as...

  • grappling with a koan
  • discussing a koan

Usage tips

Neutral

Zen koan, koan study, classic koan

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "koan"
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Meditation

A koan is often used during meditation as a focal point for deep thought.

Illustration for Meditation
During meditation, I contemplated a difficult koan.
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Philosophical Inquiry

Engaging with a koan can lead to profound philosophical insights.

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The koan prompted him to think deeply about existence.
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Paradoxical Nature

Understanding a koan can be challenging due to its paradoxical nature.

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The nature of the koan is inherently paradoxical.
Visual representation of the word "Koan"

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