Zen Koans For Everyday Clarity: Teachings To Calm The Mind

In this short course, you’ll explore five classic Zen koans—simple yet profound teachings that open the mind and quiet the heart. Each lesson is just three to five minutes long, offering a brief story, gentle reflection, and a practical way to bring awareness into your daily life. You’ll learn how to pause between thoughts, find peace in ordinary moments, and let go of the need for answers. Grounded in mindfulness and supported by soothing original music, these five sessions will help you return to clarity and calm, one breath at a time.

Lección 1: The Sound Of One Hand Clapping

This lesson explores the classic Zen koan, “What is the sound of one hand clapping?” — an invitation to move beyond logical thought and rest in direct experience. Through simple reflection and mindful listening, you’ll learn to quiet the mind, release the need for answers, and touch the spacious awareness that exists beneath all thinking.

Lección 2: The Tenzo And The Radish

This lesson explores how mindfulness lives within ordinary tasks. Through the story of a Zen cook and his simple act of preparing food, you’ll discover how presence transforms even the smallest moments into sacred practice. It’s a reminder that peace isn’t found in what we do, but in how we do it.

Lección 3: If You Meet The Buddha On The Road

In this lesson, we explore one of Zen’s most famous and misunderstood teachings: “If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him.” It’s a call to release perfectionism, rigid beliefs, and the endless search for something outside yourself. Freedom begins when you let go of the image of how things should be, and begin to meet life as it truly is.

Lección 4: The Cypress Tree In The Courtyard

This koan reminds us that enlightenment isn’t hidden or far away — it’s right here, in the ordinary beauty of the present moment. By pausing and truly seeing what’s in front of you, even a tree becomes a teacher. This lesson helps you reconnect with simplicity and rediscover stillness in daily life.

Lección 5: The Empty Cup

In our final lesson, you’ll hear the classic story of the overflowing tea cup — a gentle reminder to let go of what you think you know. By emptying the mind, you make space for new insight and calm awareness. This simple act of releasing brings clarity, creativity, and ease to your day.

Reviews

I absolutely loved all of the teachings, especially during such a busy time of the year. I definitely need to "empty my cup" more often!

excellent, I loved the format and explanation and unpacking of each koan. I am not a practicing Buddhist, but am very drawn to these teachings, thank you! 🙏🏼

Of course it goes without saying the magic is in the simplicity. This is a well delivered course over five days. Many thanks and Namaste.