koan
/ˈkəʊɑːn
/ /ˈkəʊan /noun
A paradoxical anecdote or riddle without a solution, used in Zen Buddhism to demonstrate the inadequacy of logical reasoning and provoke enlightenment.Like the ponderer of a Zen koan, the viewer must come to terms with this paradox....
- The goal of the Zen koan is enlightenment, which is a profound change of heart.
- Let's take a look at one of the classic Zen koans, the one about wild geese.
Origin
Japanese, literally 'matter for public thought', from Chinese gōngàn 'official business'.