Kōan

A kōan is a short, often paradoxical story or question used in Zen Buddhism to provoke deep reflection and insight. It’s designed to challenge ordinary reasoning, encouraging practitioners to move beyond logical thinking and experience a direct, intuitive understanding of reality. Kōans are not meant to be solved with a right answer but to serve as tools for meditation and inner awareness, helping individuals transcend dualities and realize their true nature. They often involve stories about monks or famous teachings, inviting reflection that leads to spiritual awakening.