1055
Parable
In Japan, in a village near the capital lived a wise old samurai. Once, when he gave lessons to his students, he was approached by a young fighter, known for its brutality and cruelty. His favorite technique was a provocation: he led the enemy of himself and, blinded by rage, he took his call, made mistake after mistake, and as a result lost the battle.
The young soldier began to insult the old man: he was throwing stones at him, spitting and cursing last words. But the old man remained calm and continued his studies. At the end of the day tired and irritated young fighter take a hike.
Students surprise that the old man passed many insults, asked him:
- Why did not you call it a fight? Is afraid of defeat?
Old Samurai replied:
- If someone comes to you with a gift and you do not accept it, who will own gift?
- His former master, - said one of the students.
- The same goes for envy, hatred and curses. As long as you do not take them, they belong to the person who brought them.