Unbinding the Mind: Weekly Koans & Reflections August 18–24, 2025

A weekly journey through modern koans and timeless wisdom—challenging assumptions, seeking truth, and unbinding the mind.

Greetings, my fellow Pilgrims of the Unbound!

Each week, I share short mental puzzles—modern koans—to help us question the assumptions shaping our lives. Many of these draw from classical philosophy and Christian wisdom, inviting us to journey deeper into truth, freedom, and the mystery of what it means to live well.

Here’s a roundup of the koans I shared this week across social media, gathered here so we can ponder them together on this shared pilgrimage.

August 18

What grows heavier the more we cling, yet vanishes when released?

→ Answer: Attachment

“He who loses his life for my sake will find it.” — Matthew 10:39

---

August 19

What always points us forward, yet cannot move an inch?

→ Answer: Hope

“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for.” — Hebrews 11:1

---

August 20

What can be shared endlessly, yet never diminishes?

→ Answer: Love

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” — Acts 20:35

---

August 21

What pursues every man, though no man can outrun it?

→ Answer: Time

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12

---

August 22

What speaks without words, yet silences the proud?

→ Answer: Silence

“In quietness and trust is your strength.” — Isaiah 30:15

---

August 23

What is given freely, yet sought as though it were scarce?

→ Answer: Grace

“My grace is sufficient for you.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9

---

August 24

What is known most deeply when it is absent?

→ Answer: Peace

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” — John 14:27

---

Not yet a subscriber?
If these koans stirred something in you—made you pause, wonder, or breathe a little deeper—consider subscribing. Every Monday, I share seven fresh koans for reflection. It’s free to join.

💡 For paid subscribers, I also include a weekly reflection exploring the deeper threads that tie these koans together—spiritual, philosophical, and personal.

---

Pilgrims of the Unbound–I’m grateful for your companionship each week. These koans remind me that wisdom grows not in certainty, but in the willingness to keep asking deeper questions.

If you feel moved to share your own reflections—or simply to say hello—I’d love to hear from you!

May your journey this week be filled with moments of quiet insight and unexpected joy.

John

P.S. If you know someone who might find meaning in these weekly reflections, feel free to share this letter. Wisdom grows when it’s shared among fellow pilgrims.

For those of you supporting this work as paid subscribers, I’d like to share some deeper reflections below on how these questions connect. Your support makes it possible for me to keep writing and sharing these ideas each week—thank you for being part of this journey.