Dear All,
I invite everyone, especially those who have never experienced work with traditional Koans in our Soto Way, to our book club. For a few weeks, we will be looking at some old Koans. Do not worry that we are already up to Koan 93, jump right in:
BOOK OF EQUANIMITY - Case 93
Now, some overly pretentious folks like to say things like, "The Koans are beyond all explanation and reason, they cannot be explained in words." That is B.S., Baloney, Bunk! Of course, they were not written just to be ridiculous or meaningless or to say silly things, but contain traditional Teachings expressed in poetic, often humorous (sometimes very dated and lost in meaning, so hard to understand) ways. They were written in such creative fashion to convey with words, but in a way that also packs more ... like poetry and song. However, they still mean something, usually a traditional teaching, that can be explained.
Now, that said, the Koan is NOT simply to be understood INTELLECTUALLY! Rather, the meaning ... the real lesson ... needs to get in the bones, like a powerful poem or a great song. The lesson of the Koan is truly a new way to see and experience life.
So, please give it a try, and also try the question assigned at the end of the essay.
Gassho, Jundo
STLah
I invite everyone, especially those who have never experienced work with traditional Koans in our Soto Way, to our book club. For a few weeks, we will be looking at some old Koans. Do not worry that we are already up to Koan 93, jump right in:
BOOK OF EQUANIMITY - Case 93
Now, some overly pretentious folks like to say things like, "The Koans are beyond all explanation and reason, they cannot be explained in words." That is B.S., Baloney, Bunk! Of course, they were not written just to be ridiculous or meaningless or to say silly things, but contain traditional Teachings expressed in poetic, often humorous (sometimes very dated and lost in meaning, so hard to understand) ways. They were written in such creative fashion to convey with words, but in a way that also packs more ... like poetry and song. However, they still mean something, usually a traditional teaching, that can be explained.
Now, that said, the Koan is NOT simply to be understood INTELLECTUALLY! Rather, the meaning ... the real lesson ... needs to get in the bones, like a powerful poem or a great song. The lesson of the Koan is truly a new way to see and experience life.
So, please give it a try, and also try the question assigned at the end of the essay.
Gassho, Jundo
STLah
I will do my utmost best.
)
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