366. Paradigm cases of how the koan language-game might be played can be found in such koan collections as the Mumonkan and the Hekiganroku.
As found in these classical collections, koans are presented without context. Yet knowledge of their context, some might think, would seem to be necessary. Consider the following case: 'Seijo's soul separated from her being. Which was the real Seijo?'
Commentators hasten to inform us that this koan has its origin in a Chinese ghost story and then tell us the story. But do we need to know all this?
As found in these classical collections, koans are presented without context. Yet knowledge of their context, some might think, would seem to be necessary. Consider the following case: 'Seijo's soul separated from her being. Which was the real Seijo?'
Commentators hasten to inform us that this koan has its origin in a Chinese ghost story and then tell us the story. But do we need to know all this?
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