In a certain town lived a weaver. He crafted blankets of exceptional quality.
He would purchase the finest wool from spinners and, singing devotional songs, weave his blankets with pure joy.
He was a man of truth, and consequently, his trade was equally honest—devoid of even the slightest trace of deceit or imperfection.
One day, he delivered two blankets to a merchant. The merchant asked him to return two days later to collect his payment.
Outwardly, the merchant feigned piety—sporting a *tilak* (religious mark) on his forehead—but his heart was tainted.
He conducted his business through deceit and trickery.
Two days later, when the weaver returned to collect his money, the merchant declared, "A fire broke out in my shop, and both blankets were consumed by the flames. Why, then, should I pay you?"
The weaver replied, "That is impossible! My trade is founded upon truth, and truth can never be consumed by fire."
With a blanket draped over his shoulder, the weaver stepped forward and challenged the merchant, saying, "Here, take this one—go ahead and set it on fire!"
The merchant retorted, "I had stored kerosene oil right next to the blankets in my shop.
The blankets became soaked in the oil, and that is why they burned."
The weaver calmly replied, "In that case, go ahead and soak this one in kerosene as well."
By now, a sizable crowd had gathered at the scene. In the presence of everyone, the blanket was soaked in kerosene and set ablaze.
The onlookers watched as the oil burned away completely, yet the blanket remained entirely unscathed—just as it had been before.
The weaver then proclaimed, "Remember this: Truth remains untouched by fire."
Hanging his head in shame, the merchant paid the weaver the money he owed him.