Dhammakirthi-II Thero, who lived during the Gampola Kingdom, authored Saddharmālankāra, a work consisting of 24 chapters, each containing five stories. The first story in the 13th chapter is titled ‘Āraŋŋaka Abhaya Stavira Vastu’. This story vividly illustrates the hardships faced during the Baminitiyā famine, a time when thieves not only plundered people’s belongings but also stole cooked rice, alms, and even the robes of monks.
The narrative centers on a thief named Haranthika, who steals a robe offered by a lay devotee to Tripitakadhāri Abhaya Sthavira, a monk residing in a forest monastery. Written in a simple, mixed Sinhala language, the story begins by describing the monastery and the devotee’s act of generosity in providing alms and robes to the monk. It then recounts how a thief, living near the devotee’s house, sneaks into the monastery at night and steals the robe. This leaves the monk with nothing to wear but old, tattered garments. The author captures this misfortune in a moving and heart-wrenching style.
Although the lay devotee regularly offered brand-new robes to the monk, he noticed that the monk continued to wear threadbare garments. This puzzled the devotee, but he refrained from questioning the monk directly. Determined to uncover the truth, he decided to catch the thief responsible for stealing the robes. One night, the devotee caught the thief, Haranthika, in the act. Furious, he dragged him to the cemetery, beat him severely, and tied a corpse to his body as punishment. The devotee then returned to the village, spreading rumors that a devil had appeared, wandering with a dead body tied to it. Terrified, the villagers avoided the “devil,” and Haranthika, burdened by the corpse, was unable to return home as everyone was too afraid to let him near. In desperation, the thief fled to the forest monastery where the monk resided. Instead of rebuking him, the compassionate monk untied the corpse, bathed Haranthika, and soothed his wounds with warm oil.
The author skillfully brings the story to life with vivid and engaging descriptions, capturing every detail of the events. The devotee’s patient vigil to catch the thief, his anger upon capturing Haranthika, the dramatic act of beating him and tying a corpse to his body, and the spreading of the devil rumor in the village are portrayed with striking clarity. The depiction of the terrified villagers, the thief’s desperate journey with the corpse tied to him, and his eventual arrival at the monastery create a gripping narrative that holds the reader’s attention. The climax, where the compassionate monk unties the corpse and tenderly tends to Haranthika’s wounds, adds a profound emotional depth to the tale. The author’s vivid storytelling not only arouses the reader’s curiosity but also immerses them in the unfolding drama, making the story compelling.
The next morning, the devotee went searching for the thief and found him at the monk’s monastery. Outraged, he confronted the monk and said, “Revered monk, why do you care for the wounds of such a disgraceful thief? Do not shelter him here even for a moment. Send him away immediately!”
Being a layperson bound by worldly emotions, the devotee’s reaction was understandable. However, Abhaya Thero, who was gradually detaching himself from material possessions, remained calm. His choice of residing in a secluded forest monastery rather than a well-established village temple reflected his lack of attachment to worldly belongings. This was why the Thero remained unconcerned about his stolen robes.
In response, the Thero gently said, “Dear devotee, do not harbor hatred for him. Instead, show him loving-kindness. The consequences of his actions have already reached him in this very life, without waiting for the hereafter.” This response highlighted the Thero’s immense patience and compassion, offering a profound lesson in forgiveness and the power of loving-kindness, even toward those who have wronged us.
Abhaya Thero’s compassionate response to the thief stands in stark contrast to the devotee’s reaction, revealing a profound perspective on humanity. While the devotee viewed the thief through the lens of anger and retribution, the Thero saw him with compassion and understanding. This perspective encourages readers to approach individuals with anti-social behavior with empathy, recognizing that their actions may stem from difficult circumstances or personal struggles.
The narrative conveys a powerful moral that as a man does not bite a dog in retaliation for being bitten, one should not respond to wrongdoing with more harm. Haranthika, the thief who stole the Thero’s robes, found himself with no support from family or friends and ultimately turned to the very person he had wronged for help. Abhaya Thero, embodying the highest ideals of forgiveness and humanity, not only pardoned Haranthika but also cared for him, even though his theft left the monk in threadbare robes during the cold. This act of kindness and wisdom profoundly impacted Haranthika, leading him to renounce his previous ways. He eventually became a monk under the guidance of Abhaya Thero and ultimately attained the state of an Arhant.
At the height of youth, individuals often indulge in excessive pleasures, driven by their health, vigor, and the allure of transient gratification. This phase of life, however, tends to lead many toward actions that accumulate unwholesome karma, binding them more tightly to the cycle of samsara, the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. The author concludes the story with a profound moral lesson: one should avoid the five major moral transgressions like killing, stealing, committing adultery, lying, and consuming intoxicants. Instead, by living a virtuous domestic life and diligently cultivating good deeds, one can accrue merits that lead to heavenly pleasures in the immediate future and, ultimately, to the supreme goal of Nibbana.
Dharmakirthi Thero masterfully emphasizes the importance of observing the Five Precepts as the cornerstone of a wholesome and meaningful life. Through this story, the Thero imparts timeless values, urging people to cultivate patience, loving-kindness, and humanity in their hearts. By addressing conflicts and challenges with a broader and more compassionate perspective, the Thero shows that even those who engage in anti-social behavior can be guided toward transformation. This approach not only corrects the individual but also reintegrates them into society in a constructive and healthy way. The story serves as a profound reminder that genuine change is possible when we approach others with understanding and compassion, rooted in ethical living.
