The Butter-Blinded Brahman

Theodore, a village scholar, noticed that much of the family’s butter and sugar disappeared each week. His spouse said the rich cakes were offerings for a nearby shrine.

Theodore respected the shrine, but the explanation did not match what he observed. The offering basket often returned full, while a greedy neighbor visited whenever Theodore was away.

One day Theodore stood behind the shrine screen and heard his spouse ask, “How can I keep him from noticing?” In a disguised voice, he replied, “Feed him so many butter cakes that he will complain his sight is cloudy.”

Believing the strange answer, the spouse served Theodore rich food every day. Soon he said, “My eyes seem dim,” and began watching more carefully than ever.

The neighbor entered boldly to collect another basket. Theodore opened the door and said, “My sight is clear enough to see the missing butter, the untouched offering, and this secret visit.”

No one was struck or shamed before the village. The neighbor returned what he had taken, and the spouse apologized for the lie. Theodore set fair household rules and reminded everyone that patience can reveal deception without becoming cruel.