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koan

   Also found in: Acronyms, Encyclopedia, Hutchinson 0.02 sec.
ko·an  (kän)
n.
A puzzling, often paradoxical statement or story, used in Zen Buddhism as an aid to meditation and a means of gaining spiritual awakening.
[Japanese kan : k, public (from Middle Chinese kw) + an, matter.]
koan [ˈkəʊæn]
n
(Non-Christian Religions / Buddhism) (in Zen Buddhism) a problem or riddle that admits no logical solution
[from Japanese]
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun1.koan - a paradoxical anecdote or a riddle that has no solution; used in Zen Buddhism to show the inadequacy of logical reasoning
problem - a question raised for consideration or solution; "our homework consisted of ten problems to solve"


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First published in Japan in 1766, this new version features extensive commentary and interpretation for each koan by the abbot of Zen Mountain Monastery of Mount Tremper, New York, John Daido Loori Roshi.
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There is an old Zen koan that poses the following question: "How do you proceed from the top of a 100-foot pole?
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Compare the image to the Zen koan, "What is the sound of one hand clapping?
Tongues and cymbals: Contextualizing 1 Corinthians 13:1 by Portier-Young, Anathea / Biblical Theology Bulletin
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