Koans

Koans are short, thought-provoking stories or questions used in Zen Buddhism to inspire deep reflection and insight. They often present paradoxes or contradictory scenarios that challenge logical thinking, encouraging individuals to move beyond surface-level understanding. The purpose of a koan is to provoke an intuitive realization or awakening, helping practitioners approach spiritual truths through direct experience rather than intellectual analysis. In essence, koans serve as mental exercises that foster mindfulness, awareness, and a deeper grasp of reality, often used in meditation practice to transcend ordinary thinking and access a higher level of insight.