For many, "Zen" is a vague and foreign concept, as impermeable as the rock over which the river flows. Zen koans, those mystifying stories— what do they mean? And why? Gawker, an internet blog, is here to assist in the process of enlightenment.

The practice of Zen may be intimidating to newcomers. Interpretation of Zen koans— the often perplexing stories used to test a student's insight—can be confusing and discouraging. In order to facilitate general enlightenment, we will periodically assist in koan explanation.