And a Kōan is What?

Have you ever heard references to kōans in the past, such as What is the sound of one hand clapping? Does the dog have Buddha nature? From where you’re sitting, how do you stop the sound of the Temple bell?

Technically, kōans are case studies, dialogues between Zen Masters and their students passed down through the generations. They’re questions, statements, or stories that you cannot use your logical mind to solve. And yet penetrating any one of these kōans will help to create the territory that grants you access to something much greater. A greater understanding of yourself, a greater appreciation, a greater peace.

In the 1700’s at the age of 60, Zen Master Hakuin’s creativity reached its spiritual apex. He used to hold up his hand before his disciples and say, “What is the sound of a single hand?”

Over the generations, this has been translated to the kōan “What is the sound of one hand clapping?”

Now, I hold Taro up to you in this haiku . . .

What is the sound of

One paw scratching?  Who cares!

Gotta find tuna

May your life go well with endless clapping hands (better than scratching paws), 

— Jennifer