2 upvotes, 1 direct replies (showing 1)
View submission: A Couple of Questions Regarding Koans
1. If they were not shocking, would they have the same impact? Maybe they are meant to really drive home the point that Zen (life, really) is serious business, and our actions can sometimes have dire consequences. On the other hand, such gory cases are in the minority. And how are you more taken aback by the odd chopped cat or finger than about the poor fellow doomed to be reincarnated as a fox for 500 lifetimes? :)
2. You can play with words and images however you like. If you are attracted to something (koans, in your case) it's a good idea to investigate further. But don't call your creations "koans", otherwise you cheapen their meaning, contributing to a public shallow understanding of what they are and what purpose they serve. They're not just curious cool little stories, that anyone can just invent. Behind each of them there is a whole lifetime of Zen discipleship, encapsulated in a particular master-disciple interaction, that works as a teaching device, to open a window into an aspect of the dharma.
To practice Zen, an authentic master (verifiable lineage, on good terms with his own master), and a healthy community is essential. Such things may be hard to find. But otherwise, you're just playing with a cool hobby, and might get the wrong ideas, which is pretty easy to fall into.
Comment by Erutaerc-Art at 16/01/2025 at 17:21 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Well said, I completely agree! The last thing I want to do is misrepresent what a koan actually is, so I will make sure I don't use it.