What is it called when you meditate on a unanswerable question – like “what is the sound of one hand clapping”.
I have found that this works for me in all kinds of situations, sometimes revealing answers to me that I don’t think I would have found by using linear thought processes.
I am not a Buddhist, but if something makes life simpler I’m happy to use it. I’d just like to know what its called.
2007-03-09 00:36:29 · 12 answers · asked by dm300570 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Koan...
2007-03-09 00:39:09 · answer #1 · answered by Herbert Windt 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
There are several schools of
Buddhism, the question about one hand clapping is a famous one from the Zen school. Many other schools would not ask that question.
Buddhist do try to make life simpler, but different schools do it is different ways. Every school is pointed towards the same goal, ending suffering, and different schools work in different ways. Just like if you are trying to go to the center of a town, the direction you move depends on which side of the center you are located.
The main path, for most schools, is meditation.
2007-03-09 08:46:08 · answer #2 · answered by khorat k 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Koans originate in the sayings and doings of sages and legendary figures, usually those authorized to teach in a lineage that regards Bodhidharma (c. 5th-6th century) as its ancestor. Koans are said to reflect the enlightened or awakened state of such persons, and sometimes said to confound the habit of discursive thought or shock the mind into awareness. Zen teachers often recite and comment on koans, and some Zen practitioners concentrate on koans during meditation. Teachers may probe such students about their koan practice using "checking questions" to validate an experience of insight (kensho) or awakening. Responses by students have included actions or gestures, "capping phrases" (jakugo), and verses inspired by the koan
There's lots more at the Wikipedia which answer fully anything you want to know about this
2007-03-10 04:44:10 · answer #3 · answered by ringo711 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's called a single pointed meditation and if it works for you then that's all that matters. Our consciousness isn't linear so good for you for going the other route. Sounds like you'd make a really good Buddhist.
2007-03-09 08:41:26 · answer #4 · answered by Yogini 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
koreg was right on the button with Koan. Personally, though, I prefer meditating on paradoxes; questions with multiple, equally valid answers that contradict each other.
2007-03-09 14:30:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, its called a koan.
PS-your more of a Buddhist than some of the people who call themselves Buddhists.
2007-03-09 19:45:17 · answer #6 · answered by Teaim 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Yogini.You must have been a meditator in your previous life.What you describe sounds like 'jhana'.
Metta to all.
2007-03-09 09:30:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anger eating demon 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
the sound of one hand clapping! it is what it is sweetie. oh and bertie d i take the prozac in my household
2007-03-09 08:40:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Are you on medication if not get some
2007-03-09 08:40:09 · answer #9 · answered by Bertie D 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
if I am not wrong. we call that ZEN.
2007-03-09 12:38:27 · answer #10 · answered by Jak 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋