Koan Merch

A homeage to the popular zen koan, the words "first empty your cup" with Siddhartha Buddha's half face in a calm meditation with Buddha's eyes closed in a solemn digitally painted expression. May this Buddhist painting design bring you joy and aid in mindfulness throughout your day, as well as encourage others to live in the present, if only for a moment. Great for Mahayana, Vajrayana, Theravada and Zen Buddhists alike!

Koans are self-paradoxical riddles used as a meditation discipline in Zen Buddhism.

"Not one, not two" is a Zen expression and therefore deliberately confounding. I see "not two" is a rejection of dualism, a rejection of the concepts of "self" and "other", and "not one" as a relinquishing of self and the clinging to the concepts of "not two". Your mileage may vary, of course. Zen is beyond all words, but it's fun to try.

Pin-up illustration of Catsy/Koan from Sailor Moon done in a Jack Kirby style. Originally drawn as fanart for the Sailor Business podcast.

Kanji of soul casual wear

clap one hand

With thanks to Aeolus