koans and ergos

A koan is a statement contemplated by zen practitioners in the hope of enlightenment. Usually questioning and open-ended by nature, koans defy rational enquiry but may awaken other aspects of the mind. It would be misleading to regard them as puzzles as koans have no fixed answer.

A famous/infamous koan is "two hands clap and there is a sound; what is the sound of one hand?" A rational contemplation may suggest an answer (silence) but for other philosophical interpretations see here.

To my western mind koans seem frustrating because the question is framed within a rational context and yet the intent (enlightenment) can not be achieved by responding in the same context. Undoubtedly there is much I am missing when it comes to koans. Om.

Rational contemplation is something I can grasp and to focus this I suggest thinking on a phrase. This phrase is not a question but an answer for which someone can contemplate the question. It too has no fixed response but unlike a koan it may be subject to rational contemplation. Consideration of such a phrase may result in enlightenment but of an earthly kind. In homage to Descartes I will call this kind of phrase an 'ergo' which is Latin for 'therefore' and forms part of his cogito ergo sum statement.

Contemplate what question this ergo is the answer for?

"Life is brief but offers a few sublime moments."