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 warrior arrived in 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 master merely stood there motionless and calm. Finally, the young warrior was exhausted. Knowing that he was defeated, he left feeling ashamed.
The students, then, gathered around the old master and questioned him. "How could you endure such an indignity? How did you drive him away?"
The old master replied, "If someone comes to give you a gift and you do not receive it, to whom does the gift belong?"
