Brahmadatta, son of the king of Bārāṇasī, was sent to Takkasilā to study. One day, when going to bathe with his teacher, he ate some white seeds that an old woman had spread in the sun to dry. He did this on three different days; on the third day the woman reported him to the teacher and he was beaten. When Brahmadatta ascended the throne, be sent for the teacher, wishing to avenge this insult by killing him. The teacher did not come until the king had grown older, but when he did arrive, the sight of him so rekindled the king’s hatred, that he ordered him to be put to death. However, the teacher spoke to him, telling him that if he had not been corrected in his youth, he would today be a highway robber. Convinced that the teacher’s action had been due to a desire for his welfare, Brahmadatta asked his forgiveness and showed him all honour.

The story was told in reference to a monk who showed resentment when advised. J.ii.277-82.