There lived in a certain city a monk named Deva Sharma. He earned his livelihood by selling fine cloth and, in time, accumulated a considerable sum of money.

He kept the money in a clay pot, placed the pot inside a bag made of rags, and carried it with him wherever he went. No one suspected that the ragged bundle concealed his wealth.

A swindler named Ashadha-bhuti observed the monk. His attention was drawn to the rag-bag, and he thought, "This monk must possess money." From that day he began to consider how he might obtain it.

Approaching the monk with humility, he bowed and said, "Reverend sir, I have grown weary of worldly life. Be pleased to accept me as your disciple."

Deva Sharma replied, "So be it."

From that day Ashadha-bhuti attended upon him with great diligence. He washed the monk's feet, brought him alms, swept the monastery, and performed every service with apparent devotion. As time passed, Deva Sharma came to trust him completely.

One day Deva Sharma received an invitation to another village for alms. Before setting out, he said, "I must go to the neighbouring village. Remain here and guard the monastery."

Ashadha-bhuti replied, "My lord, your rag-bag contains nothing but old clothes. Why should I guard it? Still, as my lord commands, so shall I do."

Deva Sharma departed.

No sooner had he gone than Ashadha-bhuti opened the rag-bag, took out the pot of money, and fled from the city.

When Deva Sharma returned, Ashadha-bhuti was nowhere to be seen. He looked inside the rag-bag. The pot had vanished.

Stricken with grief, he cried, "Alas! I have been robbed!" Without delay, he set out in pursuit of the swindler.

As he travelled along the road searching for Ashadha-bhuti, he came upon a strange sight.