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Questions tagged with 'koans'

What is the role of koans in advanced Zen meditation?

Zen meditation koans mindfulness meditation techniques Rinzai Zen

Koans are paradoxical questions, statements, or stories used in Zen meditation to transcend logical thinking and access deeper states of awareness. They are a cornerstone of advanced Zen practice, particularly in the Rinzai school, where they serve as tools to break through the limitations of the ra...

What is the role of silence in Zen meditation?

Zen meditation silence Zazen koans mindfulness

Silence plays a central role in Zen meditation, serving as both a tool and a goal. In Zen practice, silence is not merely the absence of sound but a profound state of inner stillness and awareness. It allows practitioners to transcend the noise of the mind, fostering clarity, insight, and a deeper c...