Master Shouchu was challenged to a contest of wills. His students gathered on the appointed day, whispering among themselves that surely the Master's iron-clad will would prevail.

The Master and his challenger entered the room, looked at each other, and bowed. The challenger left.

A student asked, "Master, what happened?"

"He knew my resolve and I knew his," said Master Shouchu. "Were we to continue, we would have remained until we were both dead."

"Then you *both* won?" asked the student.

"No. We both chose defeat."

And the student, enlightened, ceased to exist.