Unbinding the Mind: Weekly Koans & Reflections 8/4/25 – 8/10/25

“A weekly collection of koans and reflections, helping us question what binds us—and discover the freedom waiting within.”

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.

Koan #1: August 4, 2025
What opens the eyes not to the world, but to the soul?

→ Answer: Reflection

“The unexamined life is not worth living.” — Socrates

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Koan #2: August 5, 2025
What do we insist on carrying, though it asks to be laid down?

→ Answer: Guilt

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

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Koan #3: August 6, 2025
What grows sharper the less we use it?

→ Answer: Conscience

“Their consciences also bearing witness…” — Romans 2:15

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Koan #4: August 7, 2025
What can be shared without ever being diminished?

→ Answer: Wisdom

“Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser.” — Proverbs 9:9

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Koan #5: August 8, 2025
What blinds us most when we look only with our eyes?

→ Answer: Judgment

“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7

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Koan #6: August 9, 2025
What is easiest to silence but hardest to ignore?

→ Answer: The soul

“What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” — Mark 8:36

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Koan #7: August 10, 2025
What do we lose the moment we try to prove we have it?

→ Answer: Humility

“He who humbles himself will be exalted.” — Luke 14:11

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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.

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Thank you, Pilgrims of the Unbound, for reading and for your reflections each week.

If any of these koans sparked new thoughts, memories, or questions, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to reply here or join the conversation in our Chat threads. I love learning from this community!

Wishing you wisdom and peace,

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.