Two Arrows Meeting in Mid-Air

This is one of the best explanations of Zen koans you will find. In clear and vivid language, Loori demystifies koans, making them understandable. However, judging from the other reviews, not everyone got it. To undertake koan study, Zen study, is not the same as undertaking, say, the study of literature. To study Zen is to attempt to become Zen, become the koan, become the teacher. You can't just learn about koans, you have to let your mind take the shape of each koan. You will change. In contrast, the study of literature is designed to make you a critic or a teacher, not necessarily a great writer. You won't change; you'll just be the same person with some extra knowledge. If your study of Zen has turned you into a critic of Zen masters, then you have wasted your time.