Final answer:
The student who passed the Zen master's test to become the new abbot would be one who best embodies the principles of Zen Buddhism, showing deep understanding and practice of meditation and recognizing the illusionary nature of the world.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking about the selection process for an abbot in a monastery. While the specific test used by the Zen master is not detailed in the provided information, the principle behind it would be rooted in Buddhist philosophy, particularly in the Zen or Chan tradition. The selection of a new head abbot would likely involve recognizing the student who best exemplifies the principles of Zen Buddhism, notably through the practice of meditation and the understanding of fundamental Buddhist teachings.
Formally, in the Zen tradition, passing such a test would be less about academic study and more about demonstrating a direct grasp of the enlightened mind, which often involves seeming paradoxes or ko'ans that challenge ordinary thinking. Moreover, the successful candidate would embrace the monastic way of life, characterized by humility and the routine performance of tasks like sweeping, which are considered part of meditative practice according to the teachings of influential figures such as Bodhidharma, the founder of Chan Buddhism.
In sum, the enlightened student who passed the test would demonstrate a deep comprehension of Zen beliefs, particularly the concept that all worldly actions are illusory and that enlightenment can come gradually or suddenly through meditation and overcoming conceptual dualities.