The Footprint Reader

Once the Bodhisattva was born as the son of a yakshini and had the special power to read the footprints of any creature, even if the footprints were twelve years old. Seeing his extraordinary power, the king of Benaras made him his minister.

One day, the king and his chaplain stole some public money and hid it in a tank. When the theft was discovered, the king and his chaplain pretended to be innocent and ordered the Bodhisattva to find the thieves.

Since the Bodhisattva could read the footprints of any person, he soon found the money and also found out who the thieves were. “Do tell us the names of the guilty,” pleaded the public with the Bodhisattva.

After much persuasion, the Bodhisattva revealed the identity of the thieves. The people were infuriated and banished the dishonest king and his chaplain from the kingdom. Soon the Bodhisattva was crowned the new king of the land and the kingdom of Benaras prospered under him.

The author of this story is unknown and greatly appreciated!