Definition
Reading: kōan
公案 (a koan) is a problem in Zen Buddhism. Zen teachers give these problems to their students. These problems are based on the stories of how old masters got enlightenment. Students get enlightenment by solving these questions. People call Zen with Koans "Kanna-Zen" or "Koan-Zen."
Q&A
- Q: Why do Zen students use Koans, which are problems of "words"?
- A: Because people believe that it is the fastest way to get enlightenment. Students try to have the same experience as the old Zen masters. On the other hand, there is another way called "Mokusho-Zen." In Mokusho-Zen, people do not use the words of 公案 (Koans). They just sit quietly to show the "light of Buddha" in their own minds.
