Paapbuddhi and Dharmabuddhi
In a certain village lived two friends: Dharmabuddhi (the virtuous-minded) and Paapbuddhi (the wicked-minded). Together they journeyed to distant kingdoms, earned a large fortune of gold coins, and returned home.
Dharmabuddhi suggested dividing the gold equally, but Paapbuddhi cunningly said: "Let us bury the gold beneath this ancient banyan tree in the forest. Whenever either of us needs money, we will come together and take what is required." Honest Dharmabuddhi agreed.
A few nights later, Paapbuddhi crept into the forest alone, dug up the treasure, and kept all the gold for himself. Weeks later, he pretended he needed money and accompanied Dharmabuddhi to the tree. Finding the pit empty, Paapbuddhi tore his clothes, beat his chest, and accused Dharmabuddhi of stealing the treasure!
They took the dispute before the town judges. Paapbuddhi announced: "The ancient spirit of the sacred banyan tree itself saw everything! Let the tree testify." Secretly, Paapbuddhi had hidden his elderly father inside the hollow trunk of the tree.
The next morning, the judges assembled before the tree. When questioned, a voice from the trunk proclaimed: "It was Dharmabuddhi who stole the treasure!"
The judges were convinced, but Dharmabuddhi suspected treachery. Without saying a word, he gathered dry leaves, rags, and twigs, stuffed them into the hollow of the tree, and set them ablaze! Choked with smoke and scorching heat, Paapbuddhi's father tumbled out coughing and confessed the entire plot before collapsing.