The disciple-thief

Bama had a close disciple who was in the habit of stealing. From time to time he used to steal money and material things that belonged to Bama. Once he stole a very large sum of money, and both the disciples and the Master were furious. Bama asked a lawyer-disciple of his to press charges against the individual.

The day the case was supposed to go to court, Bama quite unexpectedly came before the judge and pleaded with him to forgive the disciple.

The lawyer-disciple said, “You asked me to be so strict with him. We have filed the case, and today I am here with the judge. What will the court think of us?”

Bama said to his lawyer-disciple, “Rascal, do I have to be afraid of your court?” Then, pointing to the judge, he added, “Here is another rascal. It seems he is not going to listen to my request.”

The judge knew Bama’s spiritual power, so he said, “No, sadhu, I am at your command. The court listens to me, but I listen to you. You take back your disciple-thief.”

The Master said to the judge, “I am so grateful to you, I am so proud of you. Now again, I can chat with my dear disciple. He has stolen my money, but who needs money? I need his devoted love and service.”