Koan Talks

A kōan ( KOH-a(h)n; Japanese: 公案; Chinese: 公案; pinyin: gōng'àn [kʊ́ŋ ân]; Korean: 화두, romanized: hwadu; Vietnamese: công án) is a story, dialogue, question, or statement from the Chinese Chan-lore, supplemented with commentaries, that is used in Zen practice to provoke the "great doubt" and initial insight of Zen-students. Prolonged koan-study is intended to shatter small-minded pride of, and identification with, this initial insight, and spurs further development of insight and compassion, and integration thereof in daily life and character.

From koan on Wikipedia

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Zen Meditation on the Great Flower Adornment Scripture, Class 1

In this series of meetings, we will study and see how Zen is the key unlocking the innumerable meanings of this oceanic scripture. We will also explore how the sutra opens and illuminates our simple...

#YRB-2023-Fall, Lotus Sutra, Practice Period, Diversity, Heart Sutra, Koan
Oct 03 2023
1 of 8
The Yoga Room

After Generations Of Nobility, Temporarily Fallen Into Poverty

Buddha nature. Story about Uncle Mi and Dongshan discussing a rabbit crossing the road.Lotus Sutra story about the destitute child. Enlightenment and delusion. Human agency (or training) and...

Buddha Nature, Koan, Enlightenment,
Jun 08 2019
AM
No Abode Hermitage

Compassion is a Conversation

A conversation is what we are doing together. Buddhas are sitting upright and still, in the midst of everything, having a conversation with silence. The story of his Nanchuan and his sickle. Meeting...

Compassion, Global Warming, Koan,
Sep 15 2018
AM
No Abode Hermitage

The Womb of the Tathagata #1

Case 67 of the Book of Serenity; there is not a single sentient being who does not fully possess the wisdom of the enlightened mind.

Flower Adornment Sutra, Koan, Book of Serenity,
Apr 14 2018
PM
No Abode Hermitage

The Teaching of the Buddha’s Whole Lifetime

Yunmen's appropriate response; being Buddha right where you are: Master Ma being ready to die;

Koan,
Aug 05 2017
AM
No Abode Hermitage

I always think of Hunan in Spring

Bodhisattva Vow, Koan, Perfection of Wisdom, Perfect Wisdom, japanese, Sangha,...
Apr 12 2014
AM
No Abode Hermitage

The Good Friendship of Shitou, Matsu and Yaoshan

Shitou, Mazu, Yaoshan, Koan, Teacher-and-Student, Perfect Wisdom, Manjushri, Karmic...
Feb 01 2014
Morning
No Abode Hermitage

The Work of Going Beyond Buddha

Realization in the body
Going Beyond Buddha
Sept 2013 PM No Abode

Observe, Koan, Mill Valley, Zazen, Describe
Sep 21 2013
Afternoon
No Abode Hermitage

Chick and Hen -- Inquiring and Responding 

Chick and Hen -- Inquiring and Responding
Tenshin Reb Anderson
No Abode, July 1, 2012 Afternoon

Karmic consciousness. Living beings live in a story-telling world. That’s where...

Karmic Consciousness, practicing generosity, Koan, Lineage, Vimalakirti
Jul 01 2012
Afternoon
No Abode Hermitage

Xiang Yan hears the sound of stones striking bamboo 

Duality, Blue Cliff Record, Tassajara, Koan, Commitment
Sep 10 2011
Morning
No Abode Hermitage

Zen Stories 

Intimacy, Koan, Interview, difficulty, Zendo
Apr 28 2011
The Yoga Room

Zen Stories 

Koan, Attachment, Zendo, Mahayana
Apr 14 2011
The Yoga Room

Zen Stories 

Koan, Manjushri, Separation, Buddha Ancestors, Conversation
Apr 07 2011
The Yoga Room

Zen Stories 

Lineage, Koan, Intimacy, Mahayana, japanese
Mar 17 2011
The Yoga Room

Zen Stories 

Koan, Lineage, Silence, Zenki, Letting Go
Mar 10 2011
The Yoga Room

The Unique Breeze of Reality and the Wondrous Function of Non-Dual Wisdom 

Emptiness, Faith, Koan, Lotus Sutra, Separation
Aug 14 2010
Morning
No Abode Hermitage

The Unique Breeze of Reality and the Wondrous Function of Non-Dual Wisdom 

Emptiness, Precepts, Bodhisattva Precepts, Koan, Karmic Consciousness
Aug 14 2010
Afternoon
No Abode Hermitage

Entering and Embodying Truth 

Suzuki Roshi, Koan, Community, Sangha, Evil
Jul 22 2008
The Yoga Room