137-Gong An (Koan) - Buddhism in daily life

Gong An (Koan)

In many Buddhist monasteries the theological Gong An concept (Koan) is taught, because people often have great difficulties not to think in categories like "good" or "bad", not to classify things (and people).

We humans are like that, if we don't think good, we think bad, our thought palace needs "stuff" to keep the ego going, which is why wise teachers have designed the teaching of Gong An (Koans) as an anecdote or aphorism that presents an exemplary action or statement of a Chan (Zen) master.

Some of these Gong Ans (Koans) are completely meaningless, while others are paradoxical and difficult to understand only at first glance. The Gong Ans (Koans) once evolved from the questions and answers that arose between masters and disciples. Of course, a Gong An (Koan) can also be resolved rationally, but usually the spiritual interpretation is desired by the teacher. From my point of view, however, such a task should make the student realize that there is (and cannot be) no ego of one's own.

According to the teaching, there are different levels (or classes) of Gong Ans (koans), which are supposed to achieve different goals.

In the first level, the student is supposed to achieve "awakened view" (a preliminary stage of enlightenment, i.e., not clinging, not wanting anything).

Then, in the next category, the goal is to achieve a deepening of non-attachment and non-wanting, that is, to take another step toward awakening.

In the third stage, the meaning of the teachings is to be clarified, the origin, history and meaning of the words are examined.

In a further category, the Gong Ans (Koans) now become more difficult, the understanding is deepened.

On the last level, the student should be pointed to enlightenment specifically. Thereby the tasks become even more difficult.

From a Western point of view, it can be said that the concept of researching a matter over many years is no longer appropriate (and cannot be). Today everything has to go much faster, the screens are blaring full of modern people, in everyday life the answer may be there suddenly, a Gong An (Koan) may have a long after-effect.

I am setting you such a task today, it is, "What do you know for sure?" Think about this task, do some soul-searching.

Buddhism is not a teaching that prescribes everything to man, calls him to follow. NO, the teaching of the Indian prince is focused on self-reliance, personal responsibility, discipline and constant effort. So if you cannot do anything - what can you do?

The way is the goal!

This thought of sense desire impairs wisdom

- Buddha - honorary name of Siddharta Gautama - 560 to 480 before the year zero

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