Once, a pupil was caught stealing. The matter was reported to Bankei with the request that the culprit be expelled. Bankei ignored the case.
Later the pupil was caught stealing again. Once more Bankei disregarded the matter. The other pupils drew up a petition demanding the dismissal of the thief, or they would all leave.
When Bankei read the petition he called everyone before him. "You are wise brothers," he told them. "You know what is right and what is not right. You may study somewhere else if you wish. But this poor brother does not even know right from wrong. Who will teach him if I do not? I am going to keep him here even if all the rest of you leave."
Tears came to the face of the brother who had stolen. All desire to steal had vanished.