Unwelcome Gifts

A single conversation with a wise man is better than ten years of study. ~Chinese Proverb

A story tells of a Samurai who had many students. One afternoon, an impatient warrior arrived. He had never lost a fight. Hearing of the Samurai’s reputation, he came to defeat him, and increase his own fame.

His students appealed his decision, but the old man accepted the challenges.

As his students gathered to observe, the young man started insulting the old master. He threw rocks, spat in his face, and shouted insults.

Provoked for hours, the old man remained impassive. At the end of the afternoon, feeling exhausted and humiliated, the warrior walked away.

Disappointed by the fact that the master had received so many insults and provocations, the students asked, “How could you bear such indignity? Why didn’t you use your sword, instead of displaying your cowardice in front of us all?”

The old master bowed and smiled, “If someone comes to you with a gift, and you do not accept it, to whom does the gift belong?” asked the old Samurai.

“He who tried to deliver it,” replied a student.

“The same goes for envy, anger and insults,” said the master. “When they are not accepted, they continue to belong to the one who carried them.”

How do you reject unwelcome gifts?  Or, write about how you manage anger.