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The Gift of Insults - Zen Story - Repost

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The Gift of Insults

 

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? "

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, " novalees " <dhyana

wrote:

>

> The Gift of Insults

>

> 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? "

>

oh my !--i have this little fat book on 1001 pearls of buddhist wisdom and i

feel the same way when i read some of the things in it . oh my janet

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