公案

Koan

Zen Buddhism · practice

A paradoxical question or statement used in Zen practice to break through conceptual thinking and trigger direct insight. 'What is the sound of one hand clapping?'. Koans are used in Rinzai Zen to short-circuit rational thought and trigger direct insight. Famous examples include 'What is the sound of one hand clapping?'

In the tradition of Chan and Zen Buddhism, as transmitted from Bodhidharma through the lineage of Zen masters, Koan represents a key concept that continues to inform philosophical thought and practice today.

1 wisdom cards explore this concept
2 related philosophical concepts
0 in-depth guides
6 search questions answered

What Are the Key Facts About Koan?

  • Tradition: Zen Buddhism
  • Chinese: 公案
  • Category: Practice
  • Definition: A paradoxical question or statement used in Zen practice to break through conceptual thinking and trigger direct insight.

What Cards Are Related to Koan?

Alone in the Crowd

The quiet one at the feast

What Concepts Are Related to Koan?

Sudden Enlightenment 顿悟
Tool for
Koans are a tool for triggering sudden enlightenment
 Bodhidharma 菩提达摩
Influenced
The koan tradition traces its origins to Bodhidharma's direct pointing at mind

Common Questions

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Further Reading and Sources

For authoritative academic perspectives on Koan, consult these external sources:

Further Reading