On Kongan Interviews
From Exposed in the Golden Wind - An Introduction to Zen and Buddhist Forms

Most people understand too much. This understanding cannot help your life. Descartes said, "I think, therefore I am." So "I" makes "I". If you are not thinking, then what? Even if you have a big experience, if you cannot attain the one pure and clear thing, then all you understanding and experience cannot help your practice. Therefore Zen practice is not about understanding. Zen means only go straight, don't know.

So put it all down - your opinion, your condition, and your situation. Then your mind is clear like space. Then a correct answer to any kongan will appear by itself. This is wisdom.

When you try a kongan, if you don't attain it, don't worry! Don't be attached to the kongan, and also don't try to understand the kongan. Only go straight, don't know: try, try, try for then thousand years, nonstop. Then you attain the Way, the Truth, and the Life, which means from moment to moment keeping the correct situation, correct relationship, and correct function. That is already Great Love, Great Compassion, and the Great Bodhisattva Way.