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It has been suggested by other authors that Zen could be used as a tool to manage creative dilemmas. This paper explores how contradicting experiences may be handled by investigating how Zen practitioners handle koans. I propose that the outcome is usable in other contradicting situations such as management of paradox, double-binds, and cognitive dissonance. The outcome suggests that a particular mindset of non-dual awareness may be instrumental in how Zen practitioners approach contradiction. Which is illustrated by koan practice, that reveals how dilemmas are worked on in the Zen tradition. This difference is then theoretically applied to other situations. There is still a gap in the current psychological knowledge about the contemplative practices. It is necessary to take a closer look at the concepts used. Labeling something as "meditation" may not encompass the richness or context of the phenomenon and could overlook crucial factors giving rise to confounding results.

DOI: 10.1007/s42087-018-0036-4

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