Continuing path

One day, while traveling around the country, Hing Shi came to one city, where the best masters of painting gathered that day and staged a competition for the title of the best artist in China. Many skilled craftsmen took part in this competition, many beautiful pictures they presented to the eyes of strict judges.

The contest was coming to an end when the judges were suddenly confused. It was necessary to choose the best of the two remaining pictures. In the confusion, they looked at the beautiful canvases, whispered among themselves and looked for possible mistakes in the works. But, no matter how hard the judges tried, they did not find a single flaw, not a single clue that would decide the outcome of the competition.

Hing Shi, watching what was happening, understood their difficulties and walked out of the crowd, offering his help. Learning from a famous sage wanderer, the judges happily agreed. Then Hing Shi approached the artists and said:

- Masters, your pictures are beautiful, but I must admit, I myself do not see any flaws in them, like the judges, so I will ask you to honestly and fairly evaluate your work, and then tell me their flaws.
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After a long inspection of his painting, the first artist frankly admitted:

“Teacher, no matter how I look at my picture, I cannot find flaws in it.”

The second artist stood silently.

“You also don’t see any flaws,” Hing Shi asked.

“No, I'm just not sure which one to start with,” the embarrassed artist honestly answered.

“You won the contest,” said Hing Shi, smiling.

- But why? - exclaimed the first artist. - After all, I did not even find a single mistake in my work! How could anyone who found them have won over me?

- The master, not finding a flaw in his works, has reached the limit of his talent. A master who notices flaws where others have not found them can still be improved. How could I award a victory to someone who, having completed his path, achieved the same as the one who continues his path? - answered Hing Shi.