👉 A koan is a form of meditation and contemplation that originated in Japan and Japanese Zen Buddhism, where it has been used to explore the nature of reality, the meaning of life, and the purpose of existence. It involves the practice of sitting quietly and meditating on a single question or phrase, often asking for insight into one's own being. The koan is usually accompanied by a set of guidelines or instructions that guide the practitioner through the meditation process. The goal of the koan is