What are the purposes of Koans?
Koans are a method of training the mind in order to achieve the state of Satori. Satori is a very difficult concept to describe in a few words. It is essentially the goal of all Zen mediation and can be compared to the term enlightenment or insight into the nature of reality. These two aspects, Koan exercises and Satori are the central aspects of Zen. A further aspect to Zen should also be considered. This is the practice of Zazen. Zazen is the practice of mediation that involves sitting cross-legged in deep contemplation. Another term for Zazen is “Dhyana”. This term means to perceive or to reflect upon. Zazen is used to reach the conclusion of a Koan. Therefore the Koan and Zazen methods are essential in Zen training. Koan literarily translated means “A public document”. It refers to a statement made by a Master to a student of Zen or a discussion or dialogue between Master and student. The purpose of a Koan is to open the mind and perception to the truth. Koans are questions or ridd
