Koan

(noun)

A story, dialogue, question, or statement, which is used in Zen practice to provoke the "great doubt" and test a student's progress.

Related Terms

Examples of Koan in the following topics:

  • Zen Ink Painting

    • The painting and accompanying poems capture both the playfulness and the perplexing nature of Zen buddhist Koans, which were supposed to aid the Zen practitioner in their meditation.