IN SEARCH OF A THIEF

  HAVING sent out his disciples, the Blessed One himself wandered from

place to place until he reached Uruvela. On his way he sat down in a

grove to rest, and it happened that in that same grove was a party

of thirty friends who were enjoying themselves with their wives; and

while they were sporting, some of their goods were stolen. Then the

whole party went in search of the thief and, meeting the Blessed One

sitting under a tree, saluted him and said: "Pray, Lord, didst thou

see the thief pass by with our goods?"

  And the Blessed One said: "Which is better for you, that you go in

search for the thief or for yourselves?" And the youths cried: "In

search for ourselves!"

  "Well then," said the Blessed One "sit down and I will preach the

truth to you." And the whole party sat down and they listened

eagerly to the words of the Blessed One. Having grasped the truth,

they praised the doctrine and took refuge in the Buddha.