The Golden Treasure Buried Beneath the River

Late at night, moonlight streamed through the large windows of a magnificent villa. Inside, Anathapindika sat quietly by a wooden desk, facing stacks of papers recording debts he had lent out. He sighed deeply, his brow furrowed in thought. Since meeting the Buddha, he had transformed his life, but from that very moment, his wealth began to diminish, receding like the tide going out.

In the past, he was a renowned merchant who built his empire through long-distance trade. He traveled across many lands, establishing vast commercial networks. Once wealthy, he sat comfortably and lent money to others. Those wishing to do business would come to borrow, signing contracts to share the profits. Back then, he employed a team of debt collectors. These were not thugs, but officials within the royal court. They brought soldiers to demand repayment, striking fear into everyone’s hearts so they would pay. His influence was so great that even King Pasenadi felt uneasy about it.

However, after encountering the Buddha, Anathapindika attained the fruit of Stream-Entry. His heart became altruistic, and he no longer cared for material possessions. He used his wealth to make offerings to the Sangha, give charity to the poor, and help those in distress. He stopped sending officials to collect debts. Seeing that he no longer demanded payment, his borrowers began to procrastinate and evade their obligations. Many made profits but refused to repay him. Consequently, his assets dwindled rapidly.

One night, as he sat in his study, a soft light suddenly appeared. A beautiful woman with a subtle aura manifested before him. She introduced herself as a deity who had long resided above his gate, protecting his family. Her voice was filled with pity as she spoke.

“You are a man of great wealth and power, yet since following the Buddha, you have become visibly poorer. People borrow without repaying, gold buried in the earth is washed away by water, and your businesses do not prosper. You should abandon the Buddha and stop making offerings if you wish to preserve your fortune.”

Hearing this, Anathapindika’s expression turned stern. He looked directly at the deity and said firmly, “You speak false words that insult the Three Jewels. I cannot listen to you. From now on, you may not stay here. Leave!”

The deity did not expect such a harsh reaction. She bowed her head and silently vanished, taking her young children with her. From then on, she wandered aimlessly, having nowhere to rest. She went to ask the guardian spirit of Shravasti for help, but that spirit coldly refused.

“You harbored evil thoughts toward the World-Honored One; I cannot assist you,” the spirit declared.

She then sought refuge in the Heaven of the Four Great Kings, and later ascended to the palace of Indra, the king of gods. Yet, all rejected her. Finally, moved by compassion, Indra spoke to her.

“If you sincerely repent, return and help Anathapindika restore his wealth. You claimed that following the Buddha caused his poverty, so now you must make him rich again.”

The deity obeyed. Using her divine powers, she traveled everywhere, influencing the minds of those who had borrowed money and failed to repay. Suddenly, they felt an irresistible urge to bring their gold and silver back to him. Some paid after three years, some after five, and others after more than ten. They flocked to him, carrying treasures to settle their old debts.

Furthermore, the deity located the jars of gold that had been swept away by the river. One day, a fisherman from the village across the river cast his net and pulled up a jar of gold stamped with the family crest of Anathapindika. The deity stood nearby, influencing his mind so that he dared not open it himself but rushed immediately to inform the elder. Thus, every single jar of gold buried beneath the riverbed was recovered, none missing.

Within just two months, Anathapindika’s treasury was full once more. When everything was complete, the deity appeared before him, kneeling with tears streaming down her face.

“I misunderstood and offended the Buddha and the Sangha. I seek repentance. I used my divine power to restore your wealth. Please forgive me.”

Anathapindika looked at the deity, his anger gone. He said gently, “Come with me to meet the World-Honored One. Only when you repent before Him will your transgressions be cleared.”

The deity agreed. Upon arriving to see the Buddha, she manifested, knelt down, and sincerely confessed her errors. The Buddha listened with compassion and then taught:

“The wicked think themselves fortunate while their karma has not yet ripened. When the karma matures, they realize their mistake. The virtuous may be criticized while their good results have not yet matured. But when wholesome fruits ripen, people recognize their worthiness.”

After repenting, the deity was freed from guilt and experienced profound peace. As for Anathapindika, his faith in the Buddha's teachings grew even stronger. He understood that the hardships and losses he endured were merely tests, conditions arising to encourage his diligent practice. He continued to live a life of generosity and making offerings without regret, becoming one of the most famous benefactors of his time.

The Meaning of the Story

This story reminds us that when we perform good deeds, we may sometimes face difficulties or criticism. This is simply because the wholesome results have not yet ripened. Evil-doers may enjoy temporary wealth and success, but when their negative karma matures, they will fully experience its consequences. Do not judge the Dharma based on immediate luck or misfortune. Remain steadfast in doing what is right, trust in cause and effect, and maintain unwavering faith in the Three Jewels.