Tips for Working on Koans, Part 1

In the first of her two talks about koan work, Jissai Prince-Cherry also discusses breath practices and shikantaza. She emphasizes the importance of unifying the mind through zazen, using the breath as a focus, and eventually moving to shikantaza or working on a koan. She explains the significance of koans, the importance of not taking them literally, and the process of questioning and engaging with the koan deeply. She concludes with a summary of Yasutani Roshi‘s guidance on koan practice, emphasizing concentration and sincere questioning.