Insulting Gifts

[Guest guest]

There once lived a great warrior. Though quite old, he still was able

to defeat

any challenger. His reputation extended far and wide throughout the

land

and many students gathered to study under him.

One day an infamous young warrior arrived at the village. He was

determined to be the first man to defeat the great master. Along with

his

strength, he had an uncanny ability to spot and exploit any weakness

in an

opponent. He would wait for his opponent to make the first move, thus

revealing a weakness, and then would strike with merciless force and

lightning speed. No one had ever lasted with him in a match beyond

the first

move.

Much against the advice of his concerned students, the old master

gladly

accepted the young warrior's challenge. As the two squared off for

battle, the

young warrior began to hurl insults at the old master. He threw dirt

and spit

in his face. For hours he verbally assaulted him with every curse and

insult

known to mankind. But the old warrior merely stood there motionless

and

calm. Finally, the young warrior exhausted himself. Knowing he was

defeated, he left feeling shamed.

Somewhat disappointed that he did not fight the insolent youth, the

students

gathered around the old master and questioned him. " How could you

endure

such an indignity? How did you drive him away? "

" If someone comes to give you a gift and you do not receive it, " the

master

replied, " to whom does the gift belong? "

 

 

....bob