noun
- a paradoxical anecdote or riddle used in Zen Buddhism to demonstrate the inadequacy of logical reasoning and to provoke enlightenment
Usage: Buddhism
Examples
- The master presented his student with a famous koan: ‘What is the sound of one hand clapping?’
- She meditated on the koan for months before experiencing a breakthrough in understanding.
- The Zen teacher used koans to help students move beyond rational thinking.
- His favorite koan was about a dog and Buddha-nature.
- The ancient koan challenged conventional logic and reasoning.
- Students often struggle with the paradoxical nature of koans.