The Mendicant’s Affection

Encounters on the Road

A rice merchant and a leather merchant were traveling to a land neighboring their own. One night, they took shelter in the cottage of a mendicant. The mendicant welcomed them warmly, showing particular kindness towards the rice merchant.

A Shift in Attention

After the merchants made their purchases and arranged for their goods to be sent home, they encountered the mendicant again on their way back. This time, the mendicant paid greater attention to the leather merchant.

The Disciples’ Curiosity

After their departure, a disciple asked the mendicant what had caused the change in his demeanor.

Revealing Intentions

“The rice merchant, while purchasing his goods, wished for the neighboring land to be blessed with a good harvest. In contrast, the leather merchant hoped for drought so that animals would die in large numbers, allowing him to buy leather at a lower price. Naturally, I felt pleased with the rice merchant’s goodwill,” explained the mendicant. “However, on their way back, the rice merchant wished that the crops in his homeland had failed, so he could sell his rice at a higher price. The leather merchant, on the other hand, wished that the people had enough to eat so that they could afford his leather. Thus, I found myself happier with the leather merchant’s intentions.”