The Gospel of Buddha A modern retelling of the Buddha's work and
life. Chapter 81 - 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!" 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.