The story of a thief who has broken out of jail

^Kd.1.42.1 Now at that time it ^Vin.1.75 was decreed by King Seniya Bimbisāra of Magadha: “There is nothing to do against those who go forth among the recluses, sons of the Sakyans. Well preached is dhamma, let them fare the Brahma-faring for making an utter end of ill.”^[1] Now at that time a certain man, having committed a theft, was imprisoned in a jail; he, having broken out of jail, having run away, went forth among the monks.

^Kd.1.42.2 People having seen (him) spoke thus: “This is the very^[2] thief who has broken out of jail. Come along, let us bring him (back).^[3]” Some spoke thus: “Do not, masters, speak thus, for it is decreed by King Seniya Bimbisāra of Magadha: ‘There is nothing to do against those … utter end of ill.’” People … spread it about, saying:

“These recluses, sons of the Sakyans are safe and secure^[4]; ^BD.4.94 there is nothing to do against them. But how can they let a thief go forth who has broken out of jail?” They told this matter to the Lord. He said:

“Monks, a thief who has broken out of jail should not be let go forth. Whoever should let (one such) go forth, there is an offence of wrong-doing.”