Kōan
For other uses, see Koan
The koan (;) are groupings of related questions and answers which are a paradox. The koan may be a story which cannot be understood or explained easily.
The koan can be a special kind of metaphor with a hidden meaning, such as" the sound of one hand clapping" .
History
Koans originate in the sayings and events in the lives of wise men and legendary figures.
A koan can refer to a story selected from Buddhist historical records and sutras.
The koan is a fundamental part of the history and practice of Zen Buddhism.
Select examples
" Firewood becomes ash and it does not become firewood again" .
" The verbal and the nonverbal are like vines clinging to a tree" .
Classical koan collections
Blue Cliff Record or Account of the Blue Montains; , is a collection of 100 koans compiled in 1125 by Yuanwu Keqin (Yuan Wu Ke Qin 1063-1135).
The Book of Equanimity or Book of Serenity; is a collection of 100 Koans compiled in the 12th century by Hongzhi Zhengjue (Hong Zhi Zheng Jue 1091-1157) The Gateless Gate or the Gate with no Entrance; is a collection of 48 koans and commentaries published in 1228 by Chinese monk Wumen (Wu Men 1183-1260). The title may be more accurately rendered as Gateless Barrier or Gateless Checkpoint.
References
Other websites
The Gateless Gate 48 Zen koans compiled in the early 13th century
Book of Serenity A collection of 100 koans, originally compiled in the 12th century
Life at the Monastery - a humorous look at koans
Zen Buddhism Koan Study Pages
Koan Collections and Studies
Short Zen Poems, Koans - Collection of modern koans.
Zen Koans: Transcending Duality - a list of koans
What is the sound of one hand clapping?
Metaphors
Buddhism