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Definitions from WordNet

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Koan

Description:

A koan is a paradoxical or nonsensical question or statement used in Zen Buddhism to provoke enlightenment or deep contemplation.

Examples:

As a noun:

Sense 1: In Zen Buddhism, a koan is a riddle-like statement or question.

• Example Sentence 1: "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" is a classic koan.
• Example Sentence 2: Zen practitioners often focus on koans during meditation.

As an adjective:

Sense 1: Referring to something perplexing, puzzling, or contradictory.

• Example Sentence 1: The ending of the novel left me in a koan-like state, unsure of what really happened.
• Example Sentence 2: Her response to my question was so koan-like that I couldn't make sense of it.

As a verb:

Sense 1: The act of contemplating or meditating on a koan.

• Example Sentence 1: He would often koan for hours to achieve a state of spiritual clarity.
• Example Sentence 2: Koaning helps practitioners empty their minds and achieve a sense of inner peace.

Related Products:

• Books on Zen Buddhism
• Meditation Supplies