Once
there was a monk who lived in a village. One day a young village girl
became pregnant and was unmarried. She did not want to expose her
boyfriend. Out of fear when her parents asked her who is responsible,
she pointed her finger to that monk.

Her parents were
infuriated. The next day, the whole village turned up to blame the him.
"How could you?" "You dirty old man!" "You are a disgrace!" "Get out of
our village, you hypocrite!" Some villagers even threaten the his life.


After listening to all the accusations, what he said was "Is
that so?" and went back to meditate. Months went by; the young girl
gave birth to a baby. The parents of the young girl were forced to find
a father for the child.

The parents and the villagers went up
to approach him saying "You are responsible for this baby; therefore
you should bring up the baby!" Once again, he said "Is that so?" He
took the young baby in his arms and went back.

By this time
the he has lost his reputation but it did not trouble him. He took very
good care for this baby and he manages to obtain milk and everything
the child needed from his neighbors.

After a year, he young
girl felt ashamed and guilty and wanted to see her baby. She finally
told the real story to her parents. When all the villagers came to know
the truth, they all felt ashamed of having wrong him.

So all of
them gathered and went to the monk asking for forgiveness. Once again,
after listening to them said "Is that so?" He handed the baby back to
the young girl.