In some Zen Orders in order to advance to the title of Roshi, for example, one must be able to 'show' up to 1,200 levels of Samadhi in rapid succession. More than one enlightened Master has demonstrated that you CAN give it to someone. It's simply not a good idea < Grin >.

< ROFL > Asking questions is not unlike chopping wood & carrying water ...

You realize of course the very existence of zen orders is, at a very deep level, is an indication of the flaws and failures of the order members.

One should need nothing more than a master to learn from.

As should be clear even from the limited discussion here, once one enters the path to enlightenment there should be no need for the validation of an order or testing for levels of enlightenment. These are structures of the ego, reinforcing one of the very issues one must overcome.

Again, We are humans. Anyone among us who is not human, kindly raise your hand. The theory, or rather I should say the rationalization of these 'tests' is, of course, in order for a Master to administer the appropriate practice, He/She must be able to recognize the level of the students advancement.