Bankei's Teaching On Right And Wrong

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Bankei once held his meditation sessions that usually lasts for weeks in seclusion. There were a lot of pupils who attended the sessions from different parts of Japan.

During one of the gatherings, a pupil was caught stealing. The other pupils reported the matter to Bankei along with the request to expel the thief.

Bankei just ignored the case.

Later the same pupil was caught once again for stealing and this time the furious fellow pupils drew up a petition asking to dismiss the thief stating that if not, they would all exit together.

Bankei on reading the petition summoned everyone before him and said, "'You are wise brothers. You know what is right and what is not right. You all leave if you want to study elsewhere if you wish. But this poor brother cannot even make out between right and wrong. Who is to teach him if I do not? I am going to keep him here even if all of you would have to leave!"