Chapter I

In a small city in India called Sravasti, people gathered on a very hot day to look at and talk about a stranger who had come into town. He looked very tired and walked with great difficulty because his feet were sore from walking a long distance on rough roads. He was a Brahman, a man who devoted his life to prayer and had promised to give up everything to please the god he believed in, caring nothing for comfort, riches, or good food.

This Brahman carried only a staff to help him walk and a bowl to receive offerings from those who thought it their duty to help him and hoped to gain favor in the sight of God. He wore nothing but a cloth around his waist, and his long hair was matted from lack of combing and brushing. He slowly and painfully made his way through the crowds until he reached a shady corner, where he sank down exhausted, holding out his bowl for gifts. Soon, his bowl would have been full of all sorts of good things, but he made it clear he would only accept rice still in the husk and pure water to drink. However, he was willing to take money, and when people found that out, they brought him many silver and gold pieces. Some who had no money to spare gave him jewels and other things that could be sold for money.

Chapter II