The Great Warrior

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?”

5 Replies to “The Great Warrior”

  1. I’ve read this story over and over, but I cannot figure out what he means by:
    “If someone comes to give you a gift and you do not receive it,” the master replied, “to whom does the gift
    belong?”

    Could someone care to explain this to me?

    1. The gift is the insult. The master didn’t accept the insults, so the insults are applicable to the one who said it.

    2. My interpretation of it is how the younger warrior bashed the elder but the elder didn’t go back at him so he was never phased by it and so never accepted what the younger was offering. So the the younger was bashing himslef

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