The Begging Monks

A group of hermits who went around seeking aims were once subjected to greed, and thought, “Why do we need to work hard at all? We can just go around and ask for whatever we need, from the villagers. That way we would lead a comfortable life.” So the hermits started demanding, rather than humbly taking what they were offered. Annoyed the villagers started avoiding the hermits.

A few months later, their guru Kashyapa visited them and the villagers avoided him too, thinking he too would be as greedy as his disciples. Kashyapa was shocked at the villagers’ behavior. When he came to know the cause of this behavior, he went to the Buddha and sought his advice. Buddha summoned the greedy hermits and rebuked them saying, “Beggars cannot be choosers. You are supposed to seek alms and not beg to hoard wealth.” The hermits realized their mistake and sought his forgiveness.

The author of this story is unknown and greatly appreciated!