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拶所

Pronunciations

Basic Meaning: checking questions

Senses:

  • In the training system of the Japanese Rinzai school 臨濟宗 it is customary to break a kōan 公案 into two parts: the initial 'root case'  本則 (honsoku), and numerous 'checking questions'  拶所 (sassho). These questions perform two functions. First, they serve as a means by which the master can confirm the studentʼs insight into the case and estimate his depth of understanding. Thus, checking questions serve as a quick way to uncover deception by those who provide answers that are not based on their personal insight. Second, the checking questions push the student to broaden his or her insight beyond the fundamental of the kōan into particular instances of it. For example, the First Barrier 初關 kōan One Hand Clapping 隻手音聲 is typically followed by checking questions such as “What is the sound of one hand from in front and from behind?” The number of questions ranges anywhere from twenty to a hundred or more, depending on the teaching lineage. (Hori, 17–18)

    References:

    Hori, Victor Sogen. 2003. Zen Sand: The Book of Capping Phrases for Kōan Practice. Honolulu:  University of Hawai'i.

    [Erez Joskovich]
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    Entry created: 2019-09-27

    Updated: 2019-09-28