"Master," the student asks, "why does my ability not improve? I'm always defeated."

"My dear pupil," says the master. "have you seen the gulls flying by the setting sun, and their wings seeming like flames?"

"Yes, my master, I have."

"And a waterfall, spilling mightly over the stones without taking anything out of its proper place?"

"Yes, my master, I have witnessed it."

"And the moon... when it touches the calm water to reflect all its enormous beauty?"

"Yes, my master, I have also seen this marvelous phenomenon."

"Don’t come any closer," the master says. "I am going to stab you if you do. I am not joking."
<<< >>>