In a bygone era, a master and his dedicated disciple collaborated in the creation of sculptures, their livelihood depending on the sale of their crafted idols. As time unfolded, the disciple's skill flourished, and his sculptures began fetching higher prices than those fashioned by his master.
Pride swelled within the disciple's heart, convinced that he had surpassed his master in the art of sculpting. Despite the disciple's success, the master persisted in pointing out imperfections in his work, offering constructive criticism.
Perceiving this guidance as jealousy, the disciple's arrogance grew. He questioned why his master continued to critique his work when his sculptures commanded superior prices in the market. Frustration and anger built within him, and one day, he confronted his master.
"I create superior idols, and they sell for higher prices than yours. Why do you persist in advising me to improve?" the disciple exclaimed.
The master, recognizing the seeds of arrogance, responded with a story from his own past. He revealed that, in his youth, his sculptures also commanded higher prices than his master's. Arrogant and unaware, he had confronted his own teacher with a similar question.
The master continued, "My teacher stopped advising me that day, and my growth stagnated. I don't want the same for you. I offer guidance because I want you to continue growing, avoiding the pitfalls I once encountered."
The disciple, touched by the humility and wisdom of his master, realized the error of his ways and apologized. From that moment, he embraced his master's teachings with renewed gratitude and commitment.
The tale imparts a timeless lesson about the essence of a true master-disciple relationship. A genuine mentor learns from their own mistakes and strives to guide their disciple to higher peaks of knowledge and skill. In acknowledging and accepting the wisdom of the master, the disciple ultimately flourished, understanding that the path to excellence is paved with humility and a willingness to learn.