Hui-neng immediately perceived that the monks had problems understanding their practice, and that the master had problems as well. Hui-neng corrected the monks, "It is not the wind. It is not the banner. It is your minds that are moving." Later, when Yin-tsung heard this answer, he asked Hui-neng to teach him even though, outwardly, Hui-neng appeared to be a layman. After hearing his teachings, Yin-tsung realized that Hui-neng was the missing Sixth Patriarch. He shaved Hui-neng's head to make him a monk, and then became Hui-neng's disciple.

Hui-neng did not hesitate to correct Yin-tsung's misunderstanding of the Dharma even though Yin-tsung was recognized as a great master and had a large following. Also, Yin-tsung did not let his accomplishments and official rank go to his head. When he realized he had problems with his practice, he immediately asked Hui-neng for help.

Ordinary Buddhists might not have the courage and honesty of Yin-tsung. Monks and nuns usually do not permit anyone except their own teacher to lecture on the Dharma in their temple. Some people like to argue, twisting ideas to suit their beliefs. They try to wrangle you with pat answers and formulas: "Vexations are golden;" "Good is bad;" "Samsara is Nirvana."

The most infamous person in Buddha's time was Devadatta. His evil was so great that he resided in the worst hell. Sakyamuni Buddha sent Ananda to talk to Devadatta. When Ananda arrived in hell, he asked Devadatta, "Are you suffering here?"

Devadatta replied, "It's as cool and pleasurable as the fourth dhyana."

Ananda asked, "Do you want to leave this place?"

Devadatta answered, "Why don't you send Buddha down here to ask me himself?"