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zen-koan blue-cliff-record paradox mind inquiry
> Blue Cliff Record, Case 12 — Tung-shan's Three Pounds of Flax
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About Zen Koans

Author: Various Zen masters | Period: ~8th-13th century CE

Paradoxical questions and stories used in Zen Buddhism to provoke enlightenment.

Perspective: Zen Buddhism absorbed and transformed Taoist insights. Koans use paradox to break conceptual thinking and point toward direct experience beyond words.

Key Themes:
  • Direct experience beyond concepts
  • Breaking dualistic thinking
  • Present moment awareness
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