Vocab Bloom Hub

koan

/ˈkəʊ.æn/

1 entry

noun

/ˈkəʊ.æn/C1formal
  • ruПарадоксальный анекдот или загадка без решения, используемые в дзен-буддизме для демонстрации ограниченности логического мышления.

A paradoxical anecdote or riddle without a solution, used in Zen Buddhism to demonstrate the limitations of logical reasoning.

  1. Zen Buddhist riddleC1formal

    A paradoxical story, question, or statement used in Zen Buddhism to challenge logical thinking and aid in spiritual awakening.

    ruДзен-буддийская загадка

    • The master gave his student a koan to meditate on.
    • One famous koan asks, 'What is the sound of one hand clapping?'
    • Contemplating a koan can lead to sudden insight.
Forms
  • koans plural form
  • koans' possessive plural form
  • koan's possessive singular form