Understanding Zen Koan Study and Practice

Gerry Shishin Wick, Roshi explains the practice of koans within the Zen Buddhist Tradition. He talks about the different ways of working with Zen koans, what to do, and what not to do.

[@georgeb2590]

Very clear and helpful info on how to use, practice and benefit from this ancient tool for aiding in waking up. Deep Gratitude for your insights on the magical, mytery tour.

[@99desi9n]

Thanks you for sharing your wisdom. I can appreciate your understanding of Joshu's koan as every experience and interpretation is unique to the user, and as such Zen is only to be found in direct experience. Joshu's lesson here is not meant to be abstracted from what has been said. Joshu's words pertains to the immediate experience of the monk therefore the monk is merely directed to the next immediate experience, and upon realising this, he is awakened.

[@ObakuZenCenter]

When temporary head of the White Plum tradition, this individual publicly offered those students of Genpo's, the former head of the White Plum tradition , support, after Genpo's abusive and unethical behaviors became public. In private however, when approached by individual students for such promised support, it was made clear that that was really only for PR purposes, no such support was in fact genuinely offered. Emails from such students, that were forwarded and have been examined and recorded, make for interesting reading and it would be beyond sad if nothing has substantively changed in the ensuing years.