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...from LJ friend

Once upon a time, while Hing Shi was traveling across the country, he came to a town which held a gathering of master painters. The painters held a contest for the title of the Best painter in China. Many skillful painters took part in the contest, and many beautiful paintings were presented to the rigorous judges.

The contest was nearing its close, when the judges suddenly became disconcerted. They had to choose between two remaining paintings. Confused, they examined the beautiful works of art, whispered among themselves, and looked for possible errors. However, no matter how hard they tried, they couldn't find a single defect, a single pretext that could determine who is the winner.

Hing Shi, who was observing the process, understood the judges' trouble, stepped out of the crowd and offered his help. When the judges recognized the famous wise man, they happily agreed. Hing Shi approached the two painters and said:

"Masters, your paintings are beautiful, and I have to admit I can not see any defects in them, no more than the judges. Therefore, I'd like you to be fair and truthful about your works and name their shortcomings."

After a long observation of his painting, the first painter said, "Teacher, no matter how much I look at my painting, I cannot see any faults in it."

The second painter stood in silence.

"You, too, cannot see any faults?" asked Hing Shi.

"It's not that. I am simply not sure where to start," said the embarrassed painter.

"You won the contest!" smiled Hing Shi.

"But why?" exclaimed the first painter. "I couldn't find a single fault in my work. How could someone who found plenty of errors in his own work win over me?"

"A master who cannot find any defects in his work has reached the limit of his talent," explained Hing Shi. "A master who can find defects, where others could not, can still perfect himself. How could I have awarded victory to someone who, having completed his path, has reached the same result as someone who still has a way to go?

- Yulia Dubinkina-Ilyina - Master (Hing Shi)

Cheers...