The story is from one of "The Book of Zen" stacks that I've read in the past.
Title & Author cannot be recalled.
Part of my "Core Stories" collection.
In my version, it simply symbolizes the power of Forgiveness.
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Forgiveness (Unknown)
A studen was caught stealing and his fellows asked their master to expel him from the community.
The master ignored the request, but the student stole again.
Then they drew up a petition demanding his expulsion, stating that otherwise they would all leave.
The master called them together and said, "You are wise, my friends. You know right from wrong.
You can go somewhere else to study now, but this fellow, who will teach him if I do not?
I must keep him as my student even if the rest of you leave."
The student who had stolen was overcome with tears and never stole again.
Moral of the story:
Follow not others in your life. Follow your heart and each day will be yours, not somebody else's.
(Ron Rathbun - The Way is within.)
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