Member-only story

The Of Equanimity: Illuminating Classic Zen Koans

Hudson Hayes

·12.8k Followers· Follow

Published in Gerry Shishin Wick

4 min read · 1 month before

231 View Claps

39 Respond

Save

Listen

The Of Equanimity is a collection of 100 classic Zen koans, each accompanied by a commentary that illuminates the koan's meaning and its relevance to our daily lives. These koans are designed to challenge our assumptions about the world and to help us see things in a new light. They can be used for meditation, contemplation, or simply as a way to open our minds to new possibilities.

The of Equanimity: Illuminating Classic Zen Koans

The Book of Equanimity: Illuminating Classic Zen Koans

by Gerry Shishin Wick

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1003 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	353 pages

Zen koans are short, paradoxical stories or questions that are used to teach Zen students about the nature of reality. They are often difficult to understand, but they can be very powerful tools for spiritual growth. The Of Equanimity includes koans from a variety of sources, including the Zen masters of China, Japan, and Korea.

The commentaries in The Of Equanimity are written by John Daido Loori, a Zen master in the Soto tradition. Loori's commentaries are clear and concise, and they provide a deep understanding of the koans' meanings. He also offers practical advice on how to use koans in your own meditation practice.

The Of Equanimity is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in Zen Buddhism or in meditation. It is a book that can be read and reread for years to come, and it will always offer new insights into the nature of reality.

What is a koan?

A koan is a short, paradoxical story or question that is used to teach Zen students about the nature of reality. Koans are often difficult to understand, but they can be very powerful tools for spiritual growth. They are designed to challenge our assumptions about the world and to help us see things in a new light.

Koans can be used for meditation, contemplation, or simply as a way to open our minds to new possibilities. When we meditate on a koan, we are not trying to find the "correct" answer. Instead, we are simply trying to let go of our assumptions and to be open to the koan's deeper meaning.

Koans can be a challenging but rewarding way to learn about Zen Buddhism. They can help us to see the world in a new light and to develop a deeper understanding of our own nature.

The benefits of koans

There are many benefits to practicing with koans. Koans can help us to:

Challenge our assumptions about the world
See things in a new light
Develop a deeper understanding of our own nature
Let go of our attachments
Find peace and equanimity

If you are interested in learning more about Zen Buddhism or in meditation, I encourage you to explore the koans in The Of Equanimity. These koans are a valuable resource for anyone who is seeking to deepen their understanding of the nature of reality.