koan background

koan

/ˈkəʊ.ɑːn/ /ˈkoʊ.ɑn/

Illustration koan - Image 1

noun

كوان، قصة عن معلم زن وتلميذه

A story about a Zen master and his student, sometimes like a riddle, other times like a fable, which has become an object of Zen study, and which, when meditated upon, may unlock mechanisms in the Zen student’s mind leading to satori.

Examples :

"The student spent hours pondering the meaning of the Zen master's koan: "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" "

أمضى الطالب ساعات في التفكير في معنى الكوان الخاص بمعلم الزن: "ما هو صوت كف واحدة تصفق؟"

story philosophy religion literature mind tradition

Illustration koan - Image 1

noun

كوان، لغز

A riddle with no solution, used to provoke reflection on the inadequacy of logical reasoning, and to lead to enlightenment.

Examples :

"The Zen master presented his student with a koan: "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" hoping to push him beyond logical thought. "

قدم معلم الزن لطالبه كوان: "ما هو صوت كف واحدة تصفق؟" على أمل دفعه إلى ما وراء التفكير المنطقي.

philosophy religion mind literature logic education theology