Once upon a time, there lived a Sanyasi named Dev Sharma in a Matha. He was a learned man and many people used to visit him and listen to his precepts and seek his advice on important matters. In return, they presented valuables and money to Dev Sharma. Soon, Dev Sharma became very rich. The wealth that he had amassed became a great source of worry for him. He had to constantly guard his money. Then, he decided to put all his valuables in a money bag and always carry it with himself.

One day, a thief whose name was Ashadhbhuti, learnt about Dev Sharma’s wealth. He approached Dev Sharma and expressed his desire to become his disciple. Dev Sharma agreed to this and gave him permission to live with him in his Matha. Ashadhbhuti started trying his level best to earn Dev Sharma’s affection and favour. But Dev Sharma did not seem to fully trust Ashadhbhuti, as he never allowed him to enter the Matha at night. He also never parted with his money bag. This was disappointing for Ashadhbhuti, but he was not ready to give up.

One day, Dev Sharma was invited to a nearby village to perform

some religious ceremony. He decided to take Ashadhbhuti along with him. On the way, they came across a river. There, Dev Sharma left the money bag in his robe and told Ashadhbhuti, "Look after this bag very carefully while I take my bath in the river."

When Dev Sharma came out of the river, Ashadhbhuti was nowhere to be seen. He was devastated and returned to his Matha.

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