A young man went to an abbot from the Sceta monastery, wanting to follow a spiritual path.
- For one whole year, give a coin to anyone who provokes you. - said the abbot.
For twelve months the young man gave a coin away whenever someone provoked him. At the end of a year, he returned to the abbot, to find out his next task.
- Go into town and fetch me food.
As soon as the young man left, the abbot disguised himself as a beggar and - taking a shortcut he knew - went to the gates of the town. When the young man approached, he began to insult him.
- How marvelous! - said the young man to the so-called beggar. - For a whole year I had to pay everyone who provoked me, and now I can be provoked for free, without having to spend a thing!
Upon hearing this, the abbot removed his disguise.
- Whoever is capable of not minding what others say, is a man on the path to wisdom. You no longer take insults seriously, therefore you are ready for the next step.