What are three good reasons for studying koans? First of all, koan study is an efficient and effective means to bring students to realization of their true self. Second, koans attract type A personalities and goal-oriented people to meditation. Third, they give you something to think about while meditating.
What are three really bad reasons? See answer to question one.
-Gerry Shishin Wick, Roshi, from his 2005 Tricycle interview “Give and Take: On Studying Koans”
Koan practice is the subject of Week 2 of Shishin’s Tricycle Retreat. To hear Shishin discuss the practice further, click here.
To participate in this retreat, become a Supporting or Sustaining Member here.