Meaning
A story about a Zen master and his student, sometimes like a riddle, other times like a fable or parable, which has become an object of Zen study, and which, when meditated upon, may unlock mechanisms in the Zen student’s mind leading to satori.
Etymology
Origin: Japanese
From Japanese 公案 (kōan), derived from Chinese 公案 (gōng'àn, “official business”).
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 8 recorded puzzles: