koan

[ koh-ahn ]

noun

, Zen.

, plural ko·ans, ko·an.

1. a nonsensical or paradoxical question to a student for which an answer is demanded, the stress of meditation on the question often being illuminating.

koan

/ ˈkəʊæn /

noun

1. (in Zen Buddhism) a problem or riddle that admits no logical solution

Word History and Origins

Origin of koan¹

1945–50; < Japanese kōan, earlier koũ-an < Middle Chinese, equivalent to Chinese gōngàn public proposal

Word History and Origins

Origin of koan¹

from Japanese

Example Sentences

Disentangling the way we perceive silence is like a Zen koan for neuroscientists—they must literally confront the sound of one hand clapping.

From Scientific American

Altman's early question to Kornfield, akin to a Zen koan, served as a meditation for the two techno-spiritualists on stage, transcending rational thought to confront the central paradox of AI: How will we know?

From Salon

But the best of them, when you really turn them over, are as profound as Zen koans: “If you can’t imitate him, don’t copy him.”

From New York Times

Couplets like “Desperately, I / complicate your life” and “Can I be happy / in this world?” serve as koans that help listeners strive for deeper understanding.

From Washington Post

My favorite Keanu koan, and one that more movie stars would do well to heed, is this: “Act without expectation.”

From Washington Post