koan Definition
a paradoxical anecdote or riddle, used in Zen Buddhism to demonstrate the inadequacy of logical reasoning and provoke enlightenment.
Using koan: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "koan" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
What is the sound of one hand clapping? This is a classic koan.
Example
The teacher gave the student a koan to meditate on.
Example
Koans are often used in Zen Buddhism to help students reach enlightenment.
koan Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with koan
Example
The mu koan is one of the most well-known koans in Zen Buddhism.
Joshu's dog
a koan that asks the question 'Does a dog have Buddha-nature?'
Example
Joshu's dog is a famous koan that has been studied by Zen Buddhists for centuries.
a collection of 48 koans compiled in the 13th century by the Chinese Zen master Wumen Huikai
Example
The gateless gate is a classic collection of koans used in Zen Buddhism.
Origins of koan
from Japanese 'kōan', meaning 'public case'
Summary: koan in Brief
A 'koan' [ˈkəʊ.æn] is a paradoxical anecdote or riddle used in Zen Buddhism to demonstrate the limitations of logical reasoning and encourage enlightenment. Examples include 'What is the sound of one hand clapping?' and 'Does a dog have Buddha-nature?'. Koans are often used in meditation and study to help students reach a deeper understanding of Zen teachings.
