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koan

   Also found in: Acronyms, Encyclopedia, Hutchinson 0.01 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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AoYou donAAEt know what youAAEre listening for, because you havenAAEt heard it,Ao Hempton says with the simplicity of a koan.
Archive sets out to capture quiet moments by The Star (Amman, Jordan)
Artist Lawrence Fodor's color-laden abstract "koan box" paintings were exhibited at the Lannan Foundation Gallery in January and February, and his work is currently featured in Ligatures and Koan Boxes at Linda Durham Contemporary, which ends Saturday, Aug.
MIXED MEDIA by The Santa Fe New Mexican (Santa Fe, NM)
— A Zen koan Although IÕm far from enlightened, IÕm reminded of that paradox every football season in Las Vegas with the onset of those Òhandicapping contestsÓ sponsored by one sports book or another.
HereÕs a pick that really goes against the grain by Staff / Las Vegas Sun
 
 
 
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