What are kōans?

What are kōans?

Author: Nicholas Bright Haight June 3, 2022 Duration: 19:01

Bright on Buddhism Episode 32 - What are kōans? What is the doctrine behind them? How are they used?

Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism; Chan Master Sheng Yen: Orthodox Chinese Buddhism; Nagarjuna: Verses of The Middle Way (The Madhyamakarika); Conze, Edward, trans. The Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines and Its Verse Summary. Bolinas, CA: Four Seasons Foundation, 1973.; The Bodhisattva Vow: A Practical Guide to Helping Others, page 1, Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1995) ISBN 978-0-948006-50-0; Flanagan, Owen (2011-08-12). The Bodhisattva's Brain: Buddhism Naturalized. MIT Press. p. 107. ISBN 978-0-262-29723-3.; Williams, Paul, Mahayana Buddhism: The Doctrinal Foundations, Routledge, 2008.; Hori, Victor Sogen and Hori, Victor Sogen. Zen Sand: The Book of Capping Phrases for Koan Practice. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 2003. https://doi.org/10.1515/9780824865672; Aitken, Robert Baker (1991). The Gateless Barrier: The Wu-Men Kuan (Mumonkan). New York: North Point Press/Farrar.; Besserman, Perle; Steger, Manfred (2011). Zen Radicals, Rebels, and Reformers. Wisdom Publications.; Bodiford, William M. (1993). Sōtō Zen in Medieval Japan. University of Hawaii Press.; Foulk, T. Griffith (2000). The form and function of kōan literature. A historical overview. In: Steven Heine and Dale S. Wright (eds.)(2000), The Kōan. Texts and contexts in Zen Buddhism. Oxford University Press.; Griffith Foulk, T. (2000). The Form and Function of Koan Literature. A Historical Overview. In: "The Kōan. Texts and contexts in Zen Buddhism", Steven Heine and Dale S. Wright, eds. Oxford: Oxford University Press.; Shields, Leland E. “Zen Koans as Myths Reflecting Individuation.” Jung Journal: Culture & Psyche 4, no. 4 (2010): 65–77. https://doi.org/10.1525/jung.2010.4.4.65.; Heine, Steven. “Kōans in the Dōgen Tradition: How and Why Dōgen Does What He Does with Kōans.” Philosophy East and West 54, no. 1 (2004): 1–19. http://www.jstor.org/stable/1399859.; Barry Stephenson. “The Kōan as Ritual Performance.” Journal of the American Academy of Religion 73, no. 2 (2005): 475–96. http://www.jstor.org/stable/4139806.; VAN SCHAIK, SAM. The Spirit of Zen. Yale University Press, 2018. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv8jnzg7.; HEINE, STEVEN. Zen Koans. University of Hawai’i Press, 2014. http://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt13x1jvp.

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by tweeting to us @BrightBuddhism, emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com, or joining us on our discord server, Hidden Sangha https://discord.gg/tEwcVpu!

Credits:

Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-Host

Proven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host



Nicholas Bright Haight brings his academic background and personal curiosity to each episode of Bright On Buddhism. As a scholar of East Asian Buddhism currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Religion, with a specialization in pre-modern Japanese Buddhist architecture, Nick approaches these conversations with both depth and accessibility. The discussions unfold in a relaxed, question-and-answer style, making often complex philosophical and historical ideas feel approachable and immediately relevant. You’ll hear explorations that draw from his specific research areas, like Japanese Buddhist historical responses to cultural shifts, while also addressing the broader, timeless questions at the heart of the tradition. This isn’t a formal lecture series, but rather a thoughtful dialogue meant for anyone with an interest in how these ancient teachings intersect with modern life. The Bright On Buddhism podcast creates a space where scholarly insight meets casual conversation, demystifying topics without losing their profound essence. Whether you're well-versed in Buddhist thought or just beginning to explore spirituality and religion, these episodes offer a grounded and informative perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 252

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