Once a poor brahmin paid great honour to a Judas tree (palāsa), hoping thereby to get some benefit. One day, the tree sprite appeared before him in disguise and asked why he honoured the tree. Pleased with his answer, the sprite revealed his identity and helped the brahmin to obtain the treasure that lay buried beneath the tree. The story was related to Ānanda as he stood weeping, leaning against the lintel, when the Buddha lay dying. The Buddha sent for him and told him not to grieve as his services to the Buddha would not be fruitless. Ānanda is identified with the poor brahmin. J.iii.23 ff.