I did a couple of blogs some months back now about the principle behind ZEN Koans, and also
a few I made up as well. Well I think it is time to maybe re-look at this practice,as it is so important
in leading us into the right direction, if we are searching within us for the answers to what is life
all about, and why are we all here? The very essence of a Zen koan, is not to make any sense, its
ultimate purpose is to STUN the MIND, to make the mind reel and twist in trying to understand
its meaning. Its purpose is illogical and for a good reason. To give a comparison with knowledge
and wisdom, knowledge in essence divides, and is dry and dusty, devoid of moisture, whereas
wisdom unites, and is moist akin to the emotions. The logical mind separates and divides, the
illogical in the mind can "feel" that something is right,even though it cannot quite see why. That
is the difference. If we are trying to find out who we really, if we are serious in looking within
ourselves, there are some stumbling blocks that stand in your way, the first one is the ego, and the
second one is your mind, these two constructs of "yourself" are built up from your memory and
all your experiences up to this very day. The ego at first may appear very "keen" and helpful to
you, saying things like, this will really be very helpful to you, well done! But as you go deeper
into yourself, the ego feels threatened, and will then attempt to undermine all your efforts.
The surficial mind will sow doubts on your efforts as well, because it cannot understand what
you are endeavouring to do, it does not make sense to the logical mind. That is why we need some
illogical help along the way. This helps us to smash through barriers erected by the ego and logical
mind. This is where koans come to the rescue, because they are designed to stun the mind, make it
recoil, then an opening can be make through your emotional self, your emotional mind, and then
you can penetrate deeper into your inner being. Here is a koan I just made up for this blog;
"If you are going around in circles, will a square round of your day?" Now this does not make
any sense! And that is the VERY POINT it is meant to be SENSELESS! Illogical! Just like
this other one i have just made up, "will a fish that flies, open doors for me?" Now look at these
"koans" and what do you actually see THERE? NO-SENSE maybe, what's the point of all this
No_SENSE? All I want to do is find myself, you say! Well that's okay, but it is not as simple as
it may appear, as you will find out.
In part two will explore this deeper, Warmest regards Michael.
kirkpatrickmichael17@gmail.com any feedback most welcomed,Facebook Soulrealization.
a few I made up as well. Well I think it is time to maybe re-look at this practice,as it is so important
in leading us into the right direction, if we are searching within us for the answers to what is life
all about, and why are we all here? The very essence of a Zen koan, is not to make any sense, its
ultimate purpose is to STUN the MIND, to make the mind reel and twist in trying to understand
its meaning. Its purpose is illogical and for a good reason. To give a comparison with knowledge
and wisdom, knowledge in essence divides, and is dry and dusty, devoid of moisture, whereas
wisdom unites, and is moist akin to the emotions. The logical mind separates and divides, the
illogical in the mind can "feel" that something is right,even though it cannot quite see why. That
is the difference. If we are trying to find out who we really, if we are serious in looking within
ourselves, there are some stumbling blocks that stand in your way, the first one is the ego, and the
second one is your mind, these two constructs of "yourself" are built up from your memory and
all your experiences up to this very day. The ego at first may appear very "keen" and helpful to
you, saying things like, this will really be very helpful to you, well done! But as you go deeper
into yourself, the ego feels threatened, and will then attempt to undermine all your efforts.
The surficial mind will sow doubts on your efforts as well, because it cannot understand what
you are endeavouring to do, it does not make sense to the logical mind. That is why we need some
illogical help along the way. This helps us to smash through barriers erected by the ego and logical
mind. This is where koans come to the rescue, because they are designed to stun the mind, make it
recoil, then an opening can be make through your emotional self, your emotional mind, and then
you can penetrate deeper into your inner being. Here is a koan I just made up for this blog;
"If you are going around in circles, will a square round of your day?" Now this does not make
any sense! And that is the VERY POINT it is meant to be SENSELESS! Illogical! Just like
this other one i have just made up, "will a fish that flies, open doors for me?" Now look at these
"koans" and what do you actually see THERE? NO-SENSE maybe, what's the point of all this
No_SENSE? All I want to do is find myself, you say! Well that's okay, but it is not as simple as
it may appear, as you will find out.
In part two will explore this deeper, Warmest regards Michael.
kirkpatrickmichael17@gmail.com any feedback most welcomed,Facebook Soulrealization.
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