After master Banzen had delivered a presentation on design
practices, a monk lingered at the great doorway instead of
going outside with his fellows. The monk then asked Banzen:
“Which provides superior guidance: the Pattern, or the
Anti-Pattern?”
Banzen glanced left and right, as though ascertaining
whether anyone else was in earshot. He then raised his index
finger and crooked it twice. The young monk recognized this
gesture and approached the master’s podium.
Banzen’s eyes again darted around, and again he raised his
index finger and crooked it twice. The monk nodded and
climbed the steps of the podium to stand directly before the
master.
Banzen tilted his head forward and again crooked his finger
twice. The monk leaned in close to listen.
The master smacked the monk hard in the ear, sending him
reeling down the steps in pain. Banzen gathered his papers,
descended the podium, and calmly walked past the crumpled
form of the monk. When the master reached the great doorway
he turned back and shouted, “Monk!”
The monk looked up. Banzen crooked his finger twice.
This time, the monk did not move closer.
Banzen nodded with satisfaction and went out. In that
instant the monk was enlightened.
