koans background

koans

/ˈkoʊænz/ /ˈkoʊnz/

Illustration koans - Image 1

noun

Koan, récit zen

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 Zen master presented his students with a collection of koans, hoping the puzzling stories would spark enlightenment through deep contemplation. "

Le maître zen a présenté à ses élèves une collection de koans, espérant que les histoires énigmatiques susciteraient l'illumination par une profonde contemplation.

story philosophy religion mind soul literature tradition culture

Illustration koans - Image 1

noun

Koan, énigme

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 several koans, hoping the unsolvable riddles would push him beyond logic and into a deeper understanding. "

Le maître zen a présenté à son étudiant plusieurs koans, espérant que ces énigmes insolubles le pousseraient au-delà de la logique et vers une compréhension plus profonde.

philosophy religion mind literature