Philosophy: A Zen kōan is a paradoxical question or statement desig…

Question

Did you know? A Zen kōan is a paradoxical question or statement designed to short-circuit rational thought — "what is the sound of one hand clapping?", "show me your face before you were born." The student may wrestle with it for years. The goal is not an answer, but a breakthrough in understanding.

Accepted Answer

A Zen kōan is a paradoxical question or statement designed to short-circuit rational thought — "what is the sound of one hand clapping?", "show me your face before you were born." The student may wrestle with it for years. The goal is not an answer, but a breakthrough in understanding.

Een Zen-kōan is een paradoxale vraag of uitspraak die het rationele denken kortsluit — "wat is het geluid van één klappende hand?", "toon mij je gezicht voor je geboorte." De student worstelt er soms jarenlang mee. Het doel is niet een antwoord, maar een doorbraak in begrip.

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