A koan is a Zen practice, often presented as a paradox, that is designed to enable the explorer to transcend conceptual understanding. A koan leads us to a direct, ever deepening experience of our Essential Nature. Over a thousand years a great body of koans have been recorded and compiled in collections in Zen monasteries. Let’s begin with the Great Koan MU.

Of these the most basic koan is MU, meaning “nothingness” or vast spaciousness. MU is the first koan in the Gateless Gate (Mumonkan) collection.

A word about working with koans. It is actually very simple. Just treat the koan as a friend and hang out with it. No need to try to solve it. Live it. I am reminded of the secret of intimacy Diane Fossey discovered in her work with gorillas in the Rwanda National Forest. At the beginning she followed seeking to join the gorilla families, and they fled from her. But she learned to be patient and simply to hang out with them, and soon they were curious and came to inquire about her. This is a secret to exploring MU or working with any other koan. Patience and curiosity.

Here’s how to practice MU.

Everything, every moment is MU. For this unique moment in time, nothing else. Simply MU.

In beginning practice I suggest keeping a journal of your discoveries, but in time you will come to trust  in the process. No need to attach even to your glimpses of eternity!