During one of Bankei’s classes, a pupil was caught stealing.

All the disciples demanded he be expelled, but Bankei did nothing.

The following week, the pupil stole again.

The others, irritated, demanded that the thief be punished.

“How wise you all are,” said Bankei. “You know what is right and wrong, and you can study anywhere you like.

But this poor brother – who does not know what is right or wrong – has only me to teach him. And I shall go on doing that.”

A flood of tears purified the thief’s face; the desire to steal had disappeared.