In the small Indian city of Sravasti, a weary Brahman arrived one hot day. He was a holy man devoted to prayer, carrying only a staff and a bowl for offerings. Though he accepted only simple food and water, he willingly took money and jewels from the townspeople. His wisdom brought him fame and wealth, but instead of helping others, he secretly hoarded his riches in a hole in the forest, becoming a miser.
One day, he discovered his treasure was stolen. Overcome with grief and rage, he declared he would starve himself to death at a holy riverbank. The news distressed the townspeople and reached King Prasnajit, a wise and compassionate ruler.
The king intercepted the Brahman on his journey and promised to recover the treasure. After inspecting the empty hiding place, the king devised a clever plan. He pretended to be ill and summoned all the town's doctors. By questioning them about their patients, he learned that a merchant named Matri-Datta was ill and had been prescribed juice from the nagaballa plant, which grew in the forest.
The king summoned Matri-Datta and asked who had fetched the plant. The merchant named his servant. When the terrified servant was brought before the king, Prasnajit directly accused him of the theft. Overwhelmed, the servant confessed and retrieved the heavy sack of treasure from a new hiding place deep in the forest.
King Prasnajit forgave the repentant thief, telling him to "be a thief no more." The Brahman, overjoyed to have his treasure back, was then admonished by the king to make better use of his wealth. The king declared the matter closed, leaving the Brahman to ponder his own greed.