"Black
Belt"
A martial artist
sat on his knees in front of his master.
Finally, he had the chance to set a black belt; it is very rare
occasion for martial artists.
In consequence of hard training for many years, they can reach the
top at last.
“You must go
though a final ordeal before you get a black belt, OK?” the master
said.
“I am ready,” the martial artist answered.
He thought that he had to win the match once more.
"Now,
you must answer my important question," the master said,
"What is the real meaning of a black belt?”
The martial artist answered,
"It is the end of the journey, and it is a proper reward for my many years
of hard training."
The master was silent.
He did not seem to be satisfied the answer.
After a while, he broke his silence, and said,
"I can not give you the black belt yet, come again one year later.”
After a lapse of
one year, the martial artist sat on his knees in front of his master
again.
And the master asked him again, "What is the real meaning of a black
belt?”
The martial artist answered, "It means having as excellent technique and is the summit of
martial artists."
The master kept silent and waited for his words after that.
He did not seem to be satisfied with the answer.
After a while, he broke his silence, and said,
"I can not give you a black belt yet, come again one year later.
"
After a lapse of
one year, the martial artist sat on his knees in front of his master.
The master repeated same question, “What is the real meaning of a
black belt?”
The martial artist answered, "It is just the starting point,
which is the start of an endless journey of exercise and lessons toward the
higher aim."
The master said, "That is right. You are worthy of a black belt at last. Your training
starts from now on."
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