Kōan: D'Aloofrio's Paradox

Revered monk D'Aloofrio comes to town to test his students' ability to exercise humility by begging.

One by one, his students prostrate themselves, and then suggest ways that their studies might lead to more cost-efficient running of the monastery. One by one, D'Aloofrio rejects each idea.

'Why do this?' his students cry. 'We're doing exactly what you asked us to do, but you say no to everything we suggest, and then blame us for doing nothing!'

'I get paid a lot,' says D'Aloofrio.