27 The Use of Supernormal Powers

A millionaire offers a costly sandalwood bowl to anyone with supernormal powers. Heretical teachers fail to take it. Piṇḍolabhāradvāja, an arahant, flies up and takes it, causing a commotion. The Buddha rebukes him for displaying supernormal powers to laypeople for a miserable bowl, comparing it to a woman exposing herself for a small coin. He rules that such displays are an offence.