Koans

[tomer boyarski]

hi everybody!

I feel that any question that is bothering me and I can't seem to get an answer to I can use as a Koan even though it is not a formal koan.

does anybody else have a similar experience?

with metta
tomer

[PadmaVonSamba]

The moon's reflection on a bag of rice!!

[oushi]

hi everybody!

I feel that any question that is bothering me and I can't seem to get an answer to I can use as a Koan even though it is not a formal koan.

does anybody else have a similar experience?

with metta
tomer

Hello,
And you use it as a Koan for what?

[Meido]

hi everybody!

I feel that any question that is bothering me and I can't seem to get an answer to I can use as a Koan even though it is not a formal koan.

does anybody else have a similar experience?

with metta
tomer

Hi Tomer,

Yes, I have that experience. Practice using koan and wato may certainly be done with a question that has arisen naturally within oneself. There are different ways of approaching such practice according to individual need and capacity, but in short the initial purpose of it is for the student to directly recognize the true nature or essence of mind. In Zen/Ch'an, this seeing is the point at which genuine practice begins.

Just ruminating over a question or problem may not itself be sufficient, however; if we have not developed sufficient stability and focus to hold and use a koan properly, it will not ripen. There are also different ways in which these things are used, and there are many mistaken directions of practice. Finally there is the question of verifying that the fruition of one's practice is indeed fruition. For these reasons and others, this kind of practice is done in communication with a teacher.

So if you are interested in this kind of practice, I'd recommend you find a Zen/Ch'an/Seon teacher to work with if you haven't already. Depending on your condition, it may be the case that you will not be given a koan/wato right at the beginning, but will first be required to cultivate another method. That's fine also, and will be important later.

Apologies if I'm saying things you know already. It wasn't clear from your post what your background is.

All the best.

~ Meido

[lobster]

I think Meido has given good advice.

However for us beginners, reflecting and exploring a question to come to a solution is very worthwhile.
It is something we all do, unless residing in the moment, where the solution arises also from the moment . . .

[Quiet Heart]

hi everybody!
I feel that any question that is bothering me and I can't seem to get an answer to I can use as a Koan even though it is not a formal koan.
does anybody else have a similar experience?
with metta
tomer

----------------
Not a Koan as such, but a story to consider....meditate on, if you wish to call it that.
+++++++++++
Open Your Own Treasure House

Daiju visited the master Baso in China. Baso asked: "What do you seek?"
"Enlightenment," replied Daiju.
"You have your own treasure house. Why do you search outside?" Baso asked.
Daiju inquired: "Where is my treasure house?"
Baso answered: "What you are asking is your (own) treasure house."
++++++++++++
Now, what was the question?


Daiju was delighted! Ever after he urged his friends: "Open your own treasure house and use those treasures."