The famous question, What is the sound of one hand clapping? is a Zen koan; a deliberately obtuse poem used by Buddhists to probe reality and test ones ignorance.

Zen Koans, by Steven Heine. University of Hawaii press, Poetry.

Unfortunately, Steven Heine hasnt written Zen Koans to unpack the obfuscating stories he admits can seem like some oddity extracted from Alices Adventures in Wonderland.

The book has some analysis, some application of cultural relativism with Heine explaining what koans signify in Japanese and Zen culture and lots of historical context. Its one for the students and the academics, or anyone embracing Zen culture, but its not for the rest of us.

The light at the end of this tunnel is learning about a form of poetry that Western poets have tried, and failed, to replicate.

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Zen Koans

Rev. Jerry Farrell woke up at Matt Kahns retreat last fall in Portland with a sinking feeling.

The night before, Kahn, a Pacific Northwest-based empath and healer who is garnering international attention for his YouTube videos, had announced that he just signed a book and DVD deal with Colorado-based holistic publishing company Sounds True. Kahns book and DVDs are expected to be published this fall.

Hes never going to come to Grass Valley now, Farrell, lead minister at Unity in the Gold Country Spiritual Center in Grass Valley, recalled thinking.

Still feeling discouraged, Farrell got dressed and came out of the retreat lodging space. He immediately saw Kahn walking toward him up the pathway.

He didnt say hello or anything, Farrell said. He looked straight at me and said, No matter how big I get, Im still coming to Grass Valley.

And so it is. Kahn, who is booked for private sessions through February 2016 and whose videos are viewed by thousands, will come to Unity for a Soul Gathering at 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, April 26. Joining him will be partner Julie Dittmar, a sound healer and meditation teacher.

Tickets, which went on sale earlier this week, are already half sold-out, Farrell said. (see box for ticket information or go to http://truedivinenature.com.) The Grass Valley appearance, and two sessions in Berkeley the prior Friday and Saturday, are Kahns only Northern California stops this year. Kahn will also attend Unitys 10:30 a.m. Sunday service at the church at 180 Cambridge Court.

He has this way of distilling centuries of spiritual teaching, Farrell said of Kahn, whom he credits with sharing a practical spirituality that is accessible to everyone.

Weve all been told, love yourself, love your neighbor, Farrell said. But no one has defined it so specifically, in the moment, when youre having an experience, as to this is how you love yourself.

In Kahns world, every thought and feeling no matter how negative or hurtful is an opportunity to extend love to the one who is feeling it.

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Love What Arises teacher comes to Nevada County