KOANS

Koans are very much a part of the Rinzai school of Zen, but of course can be found in all other spiritual traditions and in all aspects of life. In my training I have used koan study to great effect and now give many discourses based upon certain longer koans.
Here then is a selection of short koans from the Zen tradition, and two lesser known koans from the Theravada tradition.

Don't try to understand them intellectually, but rather keep one with you, gently reflecting on the images and words until its truth finds you.