Zen Koans

ZEN•podcasters.spotify.com

Religion & Spirituality

Buddhism

In each episode, we narrate a Koan, inviting you to explore their timeless intricate layers of meaning.

Last refreshed: August 16th, 2025 at 9:52 AM ⓘ

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Episodes

Not Far from Buddhahood

A university student while visiting Gasan asked him: "Have you ever read the Christian Bible?" "No, read it to me," said Gasan. ________________________________ You can find koans at Youtube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ZenKoans/⁠⁠ If you would like to support: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/ZenKoansPodcast⁠⁠

Feb 13, 2024•3 min•Season 1Ep. 10

Great Waves

In the early days of the Meiji era there lived a well-known wrestler called O-nami, Great Waves. ________________________________ You can find us at Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ZenKoans/⁠ If you would like to support: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/ZenKoansPodcast⁠

Dec 09, 2023•4 min•Season 1Ep. 9

My Heart Burns Like Fire

Soyen Shaku, the first Zen teacher to come to America, said: "My heart burns like fire but my eyes are as cold as dead ashes." He made the following rules which he practiced every day of his life. ________________________________ You can find us at Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZenKoans/ If you would like to support: https://www.patreon.com/ZenKoansPodcast...

Nov 05, 2023•3 min•Season 1Ep. 8

A Parable

Buddha told a parable in sutra:A man travelling across a field encountered a tiger. He fled, the tiger after him. Coming to a precipice, he caught hold of the root of a wild vine and swung himself down over the edge. -------------------------------- If you would like to support: https://patreon.com/ZenKoansPodcast

Nov 01, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 7

Muddy Road

Tanzan and Ekido were once traveling together down a muddy road. A heavy rain was still falling. Coming around a bend, they met a lovely girl in a silk kimono and sash, unable to cross the intersection. -------------------------------- If you would like to support: https://patreon.com/ZenKoansPodcast

Oct 17, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 6

It is Not Mind, It is Not Buddha, It is Not Things

A monk asked Nansen: `Is there a teaching no master ever preached before?' -------------------------------- If you would like to support: https://patreon.com/ZenKoansPodcast

Oct 14, 2023•1 min•Season 1Ep. 5

A Cup of Tea

Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era, received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen. -------------------------------- If you would like to support: https://patreon.com/ZenKoansPodcast

Sep 30, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Eating the Blame

Circumstances arose one day which delayed preparation of the dinner of a Soto Zen master, Fugai, and his followers. -------------------------------- If you would like to support: https://patreon.com/ZenKoansPodcast

Sep 30, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 3

The Moon Cannot Be Stolen

Ryokan, a Zen master, lived the simplest kind of life in a little hut at the foot of a mountain. One evening a thief visited the hut only to discover there was nothing to steal. -------------------------------- If you would like to support: https://patreon.com/ZenKoansPodcast

Sep 20, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Nothing Exists

Yamaoka Tesshu, as a young student of Zen, visited one master after another. He called upon Dokuon of Shokoku. -------------------------------- If you would like to support: https://patreon.com/ZenKoansPodcast

Sep 19, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1

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