Mel,
>IMO, koans and the like are merely upaya for those already on the 'path'.
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>MEL: What's upaya please? And which path? Do you mean, monk novices?
'Upaya', used in a Buddhist context, refers to 'skillful means' - the various
ways/methods adopted to show people the Dharma depending where they're 'at'.
Koans should only be used as a teaching method by those qualified to teach them
(usually by an ordained Zen priest or roshi) as koans are usually tailored to
suit the practioner's particular situation. It is, however, viable to talk
about
koans outside this relationship as long as noone is attempting to teach a
'correct' answer.
Mike
