There was a great enlightened master and he had a disciple. The disciple had followed him for only a short time. The enlightened master had already attained the Truth, and he often travelled around the world to liberate any person with whom he had affinity. The disciple followed him everywhere. This master was so pure and upright that he was reluctant to even beg. Therefore, he always hid himself and walked on the concealed mountain paths. On the way, he just randomly picked some fruits or wild vegetables to eat; he ate whatever was available. In this way, and after a long time, of course the disciple couldn't stand it anymore! One day, the disciple went into town alone, hoping to find a wealthy household from which to beg for something.

　Eventually, he came to a household where many people were rejoicing and having a feast. Everyone could go in and eat the food. Extremely delighted, he went in and filled himself fully. He also took some back for his master. Since the disciple had brought the food, the master ate it. While eating, the master laughed and said, "It is a foe and creditor coming back to claim a debt. There is nothing to rejoice at! The disciple was perplexed by these words and didn't understand what his master meant. "A baby has just been born to that family. They are so delighted and have invited everyone to the feast. They are so happy, yet master said that it is their foe and creditor coming to claim a debt. He thought, "Perhaps master has eaten too many sour fruits, so his mind is not very normal. (Master laughs.) He didn't say anything. He still had some faith in the master, so he didn't leave.

　That family had prayed many years for a child. Now that they were given a son, they planned to celebrate continuously for several days. The next day, the disciple again went to beg for food. Since this household was entertaining guests free of charge, it would be a great pity if one did not go to enjoy it! In a delightful mood, he hoped to enjoy the food again. Unexpectedly, before he entered the door, he saw everyone running around in confusion and crying noisily. There was no food at all. Yesterday, the parents of the child were very happy, but today they were lying on the floor blaming God. It happened that the child who had been born yesterday had just died. Having had nothing to eat, he wandered around to see whether there was anything left over. People were preparing for the funeral, so there was nothing to eat. Therefore, he just quickly snatched something and ran away! No one paid any attention to him. He came back and told his master, "Master, something has gone wrong! The child who was born yesterday is dead now. There is no good food today, so I just brought you something left over from yesterday.

　The master then laughed loudly. The disciple asked him, "What are you laughing at? Their child is dead and they are so sad. Why are you laughing?

   The master said, "The world is topsy-turvy! The foe came yesterday. Today the foe has gone!

    The disciple questioned the reasoning of this statement.

    His master explained, "Originally, that child was the neighbor of this family. He lent some money to them before, which they never repaid. Later, when they became rich, they forgot the debt. After their neighbor died, he reincarnated as their child, hoping to consume their entire wealth. Because of the birth of the child, they entertained many guests and spent all the money. The amount that he wanted to reclaim was spent in one day, so he had no reason to stay any longer. He left after the debt had been paid. (Applause)