Praise Vs. Prajna

A Zen Koan.

A public official was interested in studying Zen. He invited two of the best Zen masters in the region and offered to build a temple for one of them.

Master Yutang addressed the official first — “You are a naturally intelligent and receptive man. I think you will make a fine student of Zen.”

In contrast, the other master Dayu, exclaimed — “You’ve got to be kidding. This lamebrain may have a high position but he wouldn’t know Zen if he was hit over the head with it.”

The major official concluded — “After listening to your two honorable opinions I have decided what to do.”

In the end, the official built a temple for Dayu and studied Zen with him.