noun
a paradoxical anecdote or riddle used in Zen Buddhism to provoke meditation and aid in spiritual growth
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The monk meditated on a difficult koan given to him by his teacher.
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I heard that koans are meant to be pondered deeply to reach enlightenment.
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I'm stuck on this koan and can't figure it out for the life of me.
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Life's mysteries can sometimes feel like a koan that we must unravel.