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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