Arya Sthulabhadra Diwakar Chitrakatha 042

Author(s): Nityanandsuri, Chidanandmuni, Shreechand Surana
Publisher: Mahavir Seva Trust Mumbai
Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/006642/1

Page #1

A Mahavir Seva Trust Presentation
DIWAKAR CHITRA KATHA
ARYA STHULABHADRA
Vol. 42 RRs. 25.00
location International
For Privele & Personal use only

Page #2

ARYA STHULABHADRA
Part-1
Arya Sthulabhadra, the eighth head of the order in Bhagavan Mahavir's lineage, was famous as a great yogi. He was the last Srutakevali (having knowledge of all Angas or the sermon of Bhagavan Mahavir) and Dash-Purvadhar (having knowledge of only ten Purvas or the subtle Jain canons).
According to Jain history, after the death of Udayi, the son of Ajatashatru, the Nand dynasty ascended the throne of Magadha. Nand dynasty appointed a scholarly Brahmin Kalpaka as the prime-minister. During the reign of Ghananand, the ninth ruler of this clan, the prime-minister was Shakadal, also ninth in the lineage of Kalpakas. Shakadal was a great scholar, shrewd politician, educationist, and an astute economist.
Arya Sthulabhadra was born in the house of Shakadal in the year 411 B. C. He had one brother named Shriyak and seven sisters.
Sthulabhadra was a valourous and highly talented brave warrior. Besides being an Adonis he was an archer of high caliber and a great Vina (Sitar-like instrument) player. In spite of his youth, beauty, wealth, grandeur, accomplishments, and state honours he was a highly detached person. He once happened to attend the dance performance of Rupakosha, the famous courtesan. The proficiency in arts, divine beauty, and absolute devotion of Rupakosha ensnared even a detached person like Sthulabhadra in the trap of love. For twelve long years he remained away from home in the mansion of Rupakosha. He returned home only when the shocking news of his father's demise awakened him to his family duties.
Rupakosha was a top ranking dancer with state honours. Besides being a great artist she was also an astute and prudent woman. It is said that with rewards from king Nand she built a unique studio. Bewitching paintings on themes like dance, music, and erotica were displayed there. After his ascetic-initiation, Arya Sthulabhadra spent his first monsoon-stay in this studio. (the story is included in the second part of this two part comic)
This picture story has been written by Acharya Shrimad Vijaya Nityanand Surishvar who is an accomplished author of biographies of illustrious persons from Jain history. We express our gratitude to him.
Editor:
Muni Chidanand Vijaya
LY
Written by:
Acharya Shrimad Vijaya Nityanand Suri Managing Editors:
Dr. Mansukhbhai Jain, Sanjay Surana
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ARYA Pataliputra, the beautiful capital of Magadha on the banks of the Ganges, had huge palaces, large mansions, and STHULABHADRA many grand Jain and Shiva temples. Ghananand the ninth king of the Nand dynasty ruled there. Shakadal was the prime-minister
Safr
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Father, we want to go with you to see the king.

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One day when minister Shakadal was ready to go to the assembly his two sons insisted
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Alright, come
along you two. This is the family tradition of the Kalpakas.
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Shakadal and his two sons left for the assembly.
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www.jalnelibrary.org

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ARYA STHULABHADRA In the assembly, Shakadal greeted the king. His The king asked Priyankara to come near and
brushed his hair. Looking at his sweet chubby two sons followed his suit
body the king teased 1, Priyankara,
I am son of prime- Shriyankara. minister Shakadal of Please accept my Kalpaka clan, offer a greetings too. my respectful greetings.
How sweet! Beautiful and well
eat, son ! mannered kids.
What do young
CE
Sweets cooked
by mother.
22
The king laughed and said
Yes, that is why at home everyone calls him
Sthulabhadra.
Indeed, that's why you are so plump (sthula).
His plumpness too looks good (bhadra). Isn't it minister!
Should I also call you Sthulabhadra ?
As you wish, Sire !
No
After this the king send the kids home with plenty of gifts.

Page #5

ARYA STHULABHADRA After Shriyankara came seven daughters to When Sthulabhadra was eight years, Shakadal Shakadal and his wife Lakshmidevi. There names told his wifewere-Yaksha, Yakshadinna, Bhuta, Bhutadinna, We should send
Yes, my Lord, a Sena, Vena, and Rena.
Sthulabhadra to the gurukul (residental
prodigal child like school) of Takshashila
him should get a for his education. Many
teacher like princes study
Brihaspati, the there.
guru of gods.
WWWWWW
WWW
Tell me, what happened to your tooth ?
On an auspicious day Sthulabhadra was sent to Takshashila. There he met a sharp and witty Brahmin youth. Sthulabhadra asked him
I am son of Brahmin Friend! Chani of Chanakapur in Where do you | Gollabha state. My mother's come from? name is Chanakeshvari.
My name is Vishnugupta but people call me
Chanakya.
According to my mother, I had this tooth since my birth. When a
Nirgranth Shraman saw this tooth he told my mother that this child will rule a
kingdom.
# A Jain ascetic.

Page #6

This means you are very lucky.
Well, she meant well. You are saved from going to hell. Moreover, why we Brahmins have to Abe kings? We are meantach to be ministers
Father, this is my friend Vishnugupta Chanakya.
ARYA STHULABHADRA
But mother did not like this.

Yes, that's what I feel. We should study. Knowledge makes a man great.
124or
Why?
After completing studies Chanakya also came to Pataliputra. Sthulabhadra introduced him to his father
4
She says that a Brahmin should be a spiritualist. A king ends up in hell. And therefore, she took a stone and broke out half. of this tooth.
M
Sthulabhadra and Chanakya became fast friends. They both were very intelligent and talented.
Long live my son.
Shakadal loved him like his son. Chanakya stayed in the house for a few days. In the evening they both sat with Shakadal and studied politics, religion, etc.
oituses nint-A

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ARYA STHULABHADRA One moonlit night the two friends were roaming around the city. Seeing a grand mansion within a beautiful garden, Sthulabhadra asked
bivanje
po What a pity ! Friend, who How strange of you! owns this grand
You live in the city and mansion ? Why so
ity and annan many chariots and Nare still unaware of its horses stand
arts and beauty outside ?
IGNONYOY
TWO
VO
My friend, I have = no interest in
these.
Oh yes ! You like only your vina and the Ashoka-garden. You indeed love
solitude.
Friend, I find bliss only in my solitude. The source of my joy comes from
within.
POOR
Just than many merchants came out of the house talkingGreat! What astonishing
Oh yes, the daughters display of art! How divinely are a step ahead of beautiful!
the mother.
When Rupakosha dances it appears that Amrapali has
corne to life.

Page #8

Sthulabhadra looks dumbly
Friend, what are these townfolks talking about?
[1k
Sthulabhadra (with disinterest)
Friend you are like a frog in a pond. You know nothing of the wonders the city of Pataliputra has?
So it was a big festival & dancers? I am least concerned with dancing and jumping.
ARYA STHULABHADRA

Priyankara! You pose to be very detached.
#Full-moon night of Ashvin month in winter.
I am not el concerned with that! But you pose as if you know everything?
extil
brig
netsp exp tol baghn Nat
Why not. This place belongs to the royal courtesan Sunanda. It is the three day festival of Sharad Purnima." Her daughters, Rupakosha and Chitralekha, are the best dancers in Magadh. These people are talking about them.
Brother, attachment and hatred cause misery. Only a detached person is happy.
6

18015 Even in the prime of his youth he neither has experience of nor interest in anything mundane. How glum he is! Even being youthful, he is not attracted towards/
Chanakya laughs at this. He thinks
000
women.
They returned home after midnight and went to bed.

Page #9

ARYA STHULABHADRA Next morning Chanakya got up early and did his daily chores. Sthulabhadra was still sleeping. When minister Shakadal was coming out of the
Did you go to temple he met Chanakya
Father, Priyankar
ther, Fryankar /the winter festival ? Pranam
Long live my son. How is still sleeping. People say that father. came you are alone
Rupakosha gave We returned late A today?
last night.
a splendid dance performance yesterday.
How could I? With me was that detached friend of mine. He has no interest in dance
or beauty.
Shakadal became serious. He held Chanakya's hand and took him aside
Come here, son. I need your advise on a vital matter.
ar
Sthulabhadra is eighteen years now. He is intelligent and religious. But in the matters of the world he is still
a child.
Father, I often tease him.
But I don't understand what he is made up of, a word about women and he is filled with
aversion.
That is what worries me. If he continues to shy away from women how will he bring
up a family?
You are a father as well as a teacher. Guide me what
to do.
# Respectful greeting.

Page #10

Son, contact with woman is necessary to win over the fear of
woman.
ARYA STHULABHADRA I have an idea.
Chanakya laughed, Why not keep him with Rupakosha for a few days.
Father, you are right. She is accomplished in
Use a thorn to remove thorn. ethics, arts, and
But sometimes a thorn Witty as well.
hurts also.
953
After deliberating for some time the two returned home.
Is it! You know her well. Have you
seen her?
While taking breakfast with Sthulabhadra, Chanakya said
Priyankara, last night the dance performance was not by some ordinary dancer. What to say of Magadh, she has no match in whole of eastern India. Her name is
Rupakosha.
Only Amrapali could perform.this dance.
Scholars do not see with the eye of flesh. They see with the mind's eye. Rupakosha is an expert of 18 kinds of dances and 7 kinds of music. She also knows languages and arts of many countries. These days she is learning the
Suchika dance.
YOYOYOYOYO

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Rupakosha is her descendant only. Her dance is rbsimis spellbinding. Today she gives her inaugural performance of Suchika dance.
feb sat homieni
Dear friend, art is for inner joy not for show.
ARYA STHULABHADRA unto pl

netb
Well, every artist presents a his or her art..
Would you not present the performance of your art of playing/ vina ?
At night Chanakya came to the studio with Sthulabhadra and took the front seats meant for dignitaries. After some time the art teacher Kumar Dev stood up and announced
9

Friend, today we will go to the dance performance for sure. Be ready.
Honoured guests, Rupakosha will perform the Suchika dance. Learning" this unique dance involves extremely arduous practice. The great Amrapali was the lone performer of this art. A slight mistake can result in profuse bleeding from feet. Please enjoy in
silence this display of ultimate ben concentration of mind and balance of body.

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Now Rupakosha came on stage, greeted the audience and commenced her dance.
NINA
Hol
no
m
đ
PEO
B
Today I honour Rupakosha with the title and status of the Royal Courtesan.

tao
Jas
ABDXhabi A ARYA STHULABHADRA
8
After a forty eight minute electrifying performance Rupakosha took a bow. King Ghananand put his valuable diamond necklace on Rupakosha's neck and announcedon du boote vad
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Sthulabhadra also saw the enchanting dance with rapt attention. He exclaimed
Astonishing! Wonderful
The dart has hit the mark.
Pri
10

Air
An
Sthulabhadra also presented a bouquet of flowers to Rupakosha
It was an astonishing performance.
En
Who is this radiant and divinely handsome young man?
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Stunned by the magnetic personality of one Sthulabhadra, Rupakosha looked agape.

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ARYA STHULABHADRA What ! And you never gave
Why not an opportunity of
enrich the the gratifying
festival experience to
today. my ears?
Chanakya came ahead-1
He is the elder son of prime-minister
Shakadal. As you are accomplished in dance, he excels in
playing vina.
Yes, please allow the audience to enjoy the sweet melodies of your
vina.
Sthulabhadra took the vina and started playing. The audience was enthralled. Great! Wonderful. Angel of music
personified.
000
OXOLOG
2. Ya
Duly responding to the applause, Sthulabhadra took his seat. Rupakosha presented a bouquet and asked with a smile
Sthulabhadra just stared at her and did not utter a word. Chanakya said
Very soon your wish will be
granted.
(When will be ( honoured with your presence
again.
occ000
MATE
And he left with Sthulabhadra.

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Alle passin
On returning home, Chanakya privately informed Shakadal
Father! Your plan has succeeded.
ARQAHBA JUHTS AYRA
ARYA STHULABHADRAWbrerie eman avenero
Thy to
Jain.Education International
Vishnu, you are clever and methodical.
XXXXXXX
VARARUCHI
In Pataliputra lived Vararuchi, an extempore poet. Although a scholar, he was conceited and cunning. He daily composed 108 couplets in Sanskrit in praise of the king. Today also he recited and the king exclaimed with joy.
M
Splendid How beautiful!
Slowly Sthulabhadra and Rupakosha
came closer. A time came when
Sthulabhadra spent all his time with tones Rupakosha, staying in her mansion.
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22ro
Rupakosha also showered him with all her. devotion.
apexeria 008 918
palysiq
And then the king looked at Shakadal. Not a word of appreciation there. The king thoughtPrime-minister has no words of praise. This poetry does not seem to be worth a reward.,
мат
12

The king also turned his eyes.

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ARYA STHULABHADRA Nararuchi returned empty handed and said to his
All the state friend
affairs are in Shakadal's For so many
hands. As long as he days I have been
does not praise me, reciting new
the king cannot give verses, the king has yet to give
a penny even if me even a single
he wants. gold coin.
1552 MWhy, what is the reason ?
Friend, I will give you an advise. You should
please Shakadal's wife Lakshmi. She is intelligent and generous too.
Next day Vararuchi went to Shakadal's house in the afternoon and telling his story to Lakshmi submitted
Vipravar !! Sister, if the
will try to help prime-minister
a Brahmin praises my poetry
scholar. before the king I will
be rid of my
poverty.
Lakshmi brought up the matter next day
Come morning Vararuchi recited his verses and the king looked at the prime-minister. Shakadal smiled
My lord, what do you loose if you just praise
a scholar?
If he is benefited by my words I will do
that.
Oh! well said !
AVA
13

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ARYA STHULABHADRA King Nand awaited this. He instructed the One day Shakadal thoughttreasurerGive a reward
This is of 108 Gold coins
squandering to the poet.
state wealth. It
should be God bless
stopped. you, O king!
OoOo
OHY
Now this became a daily affair. Vararuchi recited new verses and got 108 gold coins.
Next day he asked the king
Sire ! Why Vararuchi is being rewarded thus ?
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Minister, it was you who praised him. I would never
give without your nod.
®
NW
QUUUUU
O
V Sire! I praised the poetry not the scholarship
of the person.
I don't get it.
Sire ! The verses Vararuchi recites are not composed by him but by ancient
poets.
Can you prove this.
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JOVO
COM
Shakadal nodded in affirmation.

14

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Next day Vararuchi recited his verse in style. When he concluded Shakadal asked
Poet Sir Who has composed this, poetry ?
Who else
but me.
ARYA STHULABHADRA
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How come my daughters recited these very verses yesterday.
This accusation surprised the whole assembly. Vararuchi was also annoyed. Shakadal then called his daughter Yaksha from behind the curtain
It is scandalous! I have composed these just now.
Yaksha, do you remember these verse
Yaksha came forward, greeted the king and repeated Vararuchi's verses. One after another Shakadal called all his daughters and they all did the same."
Sire, all my daughters remember these verses.
# All seven daughters of Shakadal were endowed with unique memory-skills. Yaksha memorized anything that she heard once, the second one when she heard twice, and so on. The seventh memorized all she heard 15 seven times. That is how they all repeated the versesate & Personal Use Only

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M
ARYA STHULABHADRA Shamefaced Vararuchi looked down. The king
Irritated by this insult, Vararuchi thumped reprimanded him
out of the assembly. He went straight to his A scholar and
friend and narrated the whole incident. he
addedplagiarizing ?
Shakadal Are you not
is a rogue. ashamed ?
He has cheated
me. I will take revenge.
OCCA
Tying a knot in the lock of his hair he took a vow
I vow to one day destroy
Shakadal's family.
Ico
After this insult Vararuchi left Pataliputra. Wandering in many states he returned after three months and hatched a conspiracy with some friends. Early in the morning he would go to the banks of the Ganges and recite a prayer for goddess Ganga. At this a female hand would emerge from the river and toss a red bag in palms of Vararuchi. He would take it claiming it to be a boon from the goddess. In presence of witnesses he would open the bag and find 108 gold coins. The display astonished and impressed the people around. Soon news spread around the city and people commented—what if the king stopped giving goid coins to Vararuchi, now mother Ganga is pleased with him and gives 108 gold coins every day. King Ghananand also heard this news and asked Shakadal, “Minister, is it possible ? Is it true at all ?" Shakadal sought two days for investigation. He sent his investigators to find what was going on. At nightfall some of these detectives, concealed in nearby bushes, watched the banks of the river. Around midnight they saw a male figure approach the river. It entered the river, came out after some time and went towards Vararuchi's cottage. One of the detectives stealthily entered the river and searched around the point where that figure had gone. He found a wooden contraption having a wooden female hand with red bracelets. Exploring the wooden rods attacheco it, he arrived at the place where Vararuchi used to stand and pray. When he explored further he found a pedal and lever. As soon as he pressed the pedal with his feet, that hand emerged out of water and a red bag was tossed in air. The bag landed straight in his outstretched hands. The detective had found the secret. He brought the bag of coins to the prime-minister and told him everything.
note o
n bone and one budanas

Page #19

Shakadal went to the king and requested, "Sire you wanted to wits Vararuchi praying to Goddess Ganga, please come along."
ARYA STHULABHADRA
Before dawn the king arrived at the spot with a crowd of people. Everyone was eager to witness the miraculous seen of mother Ganga rewarding Vararuchi with a bag full of gold.
Vararuchi entered the river and standing in waist deep water started chanting-"Har Har Gange! Jai Jai Gange !"
On concluding, he pressed the pedal of his contraption. A female hand emerged from the river but it was empty.
Vararuchi was stunned, "What happened? The red bag filled with gold coins did not come out?" He again invoked loudly-"Mother Ganga be pleased. Bless me! Bless me! Har Har Gange! Jai Jai Gange!"
Once again the hand emerged empty. In spite of several tries the bag did not appear. Primnister Shakadal approached and said, "O Brahmin ! Here is your bag. Don't get disheartened if mother Ganga did not bless you a bag of gold. I give you one, here, take it." Vararuchi looked down with shame. Shakadal revealed the secret and added, "Sire, this bag is not a boon from Goddess Ganga. It belongs to Vararuchi. He places it here during the night and performs this display in the morning to impress people."
The king admonished Vararuchi, "Why did you need such deceit. You are a Brahmin, why defraud people."
Vararuchi looking down left the crowd. The onlookers also cursed him and called him names"Charlatan! Hypocrite! Rogue !" Vararuchi at last left the town.
But six months later he returned to Pataliputra and started earning his living by teaching children.
In due course he became friendly with the house
maid of the prime-minister
Ketaki, what goes on at the prime-minister's house these days?
ST

The elder son is infatuated with the beauty of Rupakosha. He hardly comes home.
And the younger?
17

Preparations for his marriage are in progress. Royal throne, umbrella, and scepter are being made, but all under wraps.

Page #20

TENEN
I don't know. Day and night the artisans work in the cellars.
05
Why so? What will he do with the regalia?
ARYA STHULABHADRA
In the morning he distributed sweets to a lot of kids and asked
Charming the kids with sweets he made them memorize the verse.

Next day all the kids started singing that verse. King's spies heard the verse
Sitting in his cottage Vararuchi kept on cooking a conspiracy all night. Suddenly he jumped upYES! Now I have a weapon that can't miss. Now
I will wipe out Shakadal.
o en
Memorize
this verse and sing wherever
you go.
18
What Shakadal will do, knows not the king. Kill Nand, he will, and make Shriyak the king.,
16 XI

They got a jolt and became alert.
18

Page #21

ARYA STHULABHADRA The spies went to the king and reported whole thing
Sire ! Today this is the hot news in every nook and corner of the city.
All right. Find out what goes on in the se of Shakadal.
The spy came and saw
Some one makes
a royal umbrella. Others are making a throne and a scepter. Oh! also spears
and swords.
On getting the information the king got worried
It certainly is some conspiracy. It appears to be
a revolt.
CU
The poison of suspicion filled Nand's mind. His eyes turned red with anger when Shakadal came and greeted him in the morning. He looked away and his hand reached for the sword again and again. Shakadal was aware of the rumours. When he saw Nand's posture he guessed it all
The rumours have poisoned the king's mind.
WWW

Page #22

Shakadal trembled. Drops of sweat appeared on his forehead.
Blinded by doubt the king can destroy my family like fire and
water.
ARYA STHULABHADRA He got up, came straight to his house-garden and sat down. In the evening Shriyak" came there. He saw his father's gloomy face and asked
What is it,
father ? Why M are you so sad ? Ittift
What worries
you ?
After some time Shakadal spoke about the rumours and addedVararuchi has fetched
Father, I will make an a terrible conspiracy
(inquiry. Please don't worry. against us. The king has become suspicious of
my loyalty.
Then he put his hand on Shriyak's head and said,
No, son. The water flows over the head now. The king, seething with
suspicion, could -destroy our family 2 any time now.
Son, before the flames of the king's anger consume the Kalpaka family-tree, we ought to make a
sacrifice.
VON
20
# He was the chief of bodyguards of King Ghananand.

Page #23

Father! Tell me word and I would sacrifice my life at
once.
ARYA STHULABHADRA Son ! Not your life; Shakadal held his hand and explained the it is my life that can planextinguish this fire. Promise me that
Son, the only way you will execute to save the family and my order. remove the king's
No ! Not suspicion is to sacrifice
at all! I can't my one life. I see no other solution.
commit this great sin.
LOW
Son, this is no time for sentiments. Use your
common sense. Promise me, you will do exactly
as I say.
Shakadal spent the night finishing all his work. In the morning, after Samayik and Pratikraman," he went to the temple and worshipped the Jina. Then he said his prayer
Prabho! Some great sin of mine has come to fruition. It can be expiated only by sacrificing my life. In your presence | condone for the sins I have committed during this life. Now I renounce all
four types of food for life.
co
os
OL
Shedding tears, Shriyak put his hand in his father's. After deliberating on the plan they entered the house.
# Parts of Jain meditation.

21

Page #24

ARYA STHULABHADRA And he left at once for the assembly. On -and dismembered his father. Blood gushed out. entering he bowed his head before the king The assembly was filled with sounds of sobbing. to greet him. Shriyak, standing at his back, The king shouted in angerhit him with sword
Shriyak! What Please have you done ?
forgive You have slain me, God! your innocent
father!
SOLO
LOPER
Shriyak placed the bloody sword before the king and said
Was Sire ! I would not Shakadal spare anyone whom really a you consider a traitor, traitor ?
even if he was
my father.
No, my father was very faithful. But you doubted his loyalty. I killed him because you accepted him to
be a traitor.
co
Shriyak cried bitterly.
22
noitsiibam nisl to ans

Page #25

Can you tell me what the truth is?
Nand consoled Shriyak and asked
10
ARGAHBAJUHTE AYRA
ARYA STHULABHADRA
Oh! I have lost anextremely loyal man because of my suspicion. Prime-minister
what have you done. Oh my faithful minister..
Knowing the truth Ghananand repented with tear filled eyes. Standing near the dead body he sought forgiveness
Standing nearby Shriyak was also crying.

Shriyak told the story
gen
BAW v
sencil
ew
King Nand embraced Shriyak to comfort him
Son! Fate has bcaused this havoc. But now perform the last rites of the prime-minister with all state honours.
For Private 83rsonal Use Only
All that activity was (for making gifts, umbrella and all, to be presented to you on the occasion of my marriage.
O

Page #26

ARYA STHULABHADRA A maid called Champa informed Rupakosha
A bad news! Madam!
Prime-minister Shakadal has been killed!
What happened?
And the maid sobbed.
When Rupakosha told about the incident Sthulabhadra at once left, as he was, without even shoes. Kosha ran after him
Rupakosha also had tears in her eyes. She informed Sthulabhadra+
What? How could it happen so suddenly ? Was he
sick ? I was not Lord ! Father is
even informed. no more.
My Lord ! Wait, I am also
coming.
DOCTOR
SS3
No, Kosha, you don't.
Sthulabhadra rushed towards his house.
24

Page #27

ARYA STHULABHADRA The two brothers performed the last rites.
Sthulabhadra went straight to the house-garden. While he was lost in his melancholy Shriyak came and shook hin
Brother, if you loose your
composu who will console
and care for us?
VVU
For a few moments Sthulabhadra looked at Shriyak and then said
Shriyak! How strange are the ebbs and tides of life, what we thought and
what has happened?
Shriyak cried. The two spent some time in silence.
25

Page #28

WILLE
ARYA STHULABHADRA Then Yaksha came Brother! Seven
Sthulabhadra did not speak, he just looked into the eyes there
days have passed. You are sitting here
of Yaksha. They were filled with gloom. Yaksha continuedalone and without food. Please snake
Brother! We off the grief now.
seven sisters had expressed our desire of
becoming ascetics to father. Now we seek permission from you.
Sthulabhadra looked at Shriyak
Shriyak! Do you hear ha what Yaksha tells ?
TEREBU
Brother! During his last days, father told me to celebrate
their initiation ceremony with all grandeur.
Sthulabhadra was lost in his thought
POPGO
Getting detached from the world my younger sisters want to take to the rigorous path of ascetic discipline and I am still neck-deep in the quagmire of
lust. Shame on me.
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ARYA STHULABHADRA As if struck by a thunderbolt Sthulabhadra jumped up. The gloom on his face was replaced by radiance. He said
Sister! You have awaken me. You have rescued the drowning.
Now came the younger sister Sena
Brother, the chief of guards has come.
11.716
Send him here.
24040
In Education International
What happened brother? What do you say?
W
丞
ABS
Sony
Shriyak got up to greet the visitor. The chief of guards said
King Nand conveys that he is also grief stricken by the demise of the prime-minister. Now it is up to you to fill the gap.
Basso
Nothing. A lost
man has found his path. Now I will never drift.
For Private 27rsonal Use Only
Please tell the king that decision can only be taken after the twelve day mourning period,
Astay
84250
After some time the visitor left.

Page #30

ARYA STHULABHADRA
After the mourning period was over, the two organized the initiation ceremony of seven sisters. Mahattara Suvrata, the disciple of Arya Sambhuti Vijaya initiated them.
NYELAMANNAUYAW MAG
每每
45
awt onl erif
VE
37
Son, take charge of your father's post
now.
hol tollalva

A few days later, king's emissary brought another call from the king. Wrapping just a sheet of cloth around, Sthulabhadra camo to the court and greeted the ki. The king said-po
g
200
95
(湯。
03
Sire ! Please give me some time to think.,
28
6/813
Karemi bhante Samaiyam. From today your life style has changed.

Son, what is there. to think about? You have all the credentials; therefore, I want to make you the prime-minister,

Page #31

ARYA STHULABHADRA The incident of his fathers death came live in his memory
Sthulabhadra trembled.
He thought
He considered
No matter how lofty this post is, after all a minister is just a servant of a king. A servant is never free to
live as he wants.
No ! Not at all! I can't accept this
post.
Should I accept the same post that cost my
father his life.
000000
After all this deliberation he said firmly
Yes, that is what I want.
Sire ! Please Wpardon me. Considering
everything I have reached the conclusion that I will perform my
duty as a son.

For Private 29 sonal Use Only

Page #32

The king turned to the priest
Revered
one ! please look for an auspicious, moment.
My father wished, "Son! You should become greater than me !" Therefore I want to comply to his wish.

APYA STHULABHADRA
I am sure
an able son like you will excel his father.
With joined palms Sthulabhadra said
Sire!
Please
listen to
me first.
190000
ROD
What do you want to say?
Sire! I can never surpass him in politics. The path of my greatness is to renounce the world and accept ascetic discipline.

WHAT?
At these words the king was stunned. 30

Page #33

ARYA STHULABHADRA The whole assembly looked at Sthulabhadra with surprisc
What do you mean ? Ascetic
discipline ! Renunciation!
AVANNA
Yes, sire ! I have decided. I have understood the reality of this world. Now I will be my own master. I will renounce the world
and get initiated.
CA
Some courtiers whispered
You will see that on the pretext of initiation he will return to Kosha. Such pleasure seeker and lustful man and
ascetic ? Never ?
The king also did not believe. He said
Son ! Grief naturally inspires such sentiments. Please give a serious thought. You are fated to be the prime
minister not an ascetic,
Sire ! I am firm on my decision. I will be a disciple of Arya Sambhuti
Vijaya.
CU
Brother! What is this ? Please don't do this. Don't
abandon us.
in Education International

Page #34

ARYA STHULABHADRA Sthulabhadra took leave of everyone a-- left for the forest alone. People kept on whispering
See, he will wander around and return. At last he will turn towards
the mansion of Kosha.
ens
(OKOVO
02
Arriving where Arya Sambhuti Vijaya was sitting in the garden, Sthulabhadra requested
Gurudeva !! am filled with
Worthy one ! detachment. Please
Come with a strong
determination. You accept me as your
are welcome.. disciple.
Sthulabhadra got initiated by Arya Sambhuti vijaya and commenced his practices
WAR
The story continues in the next issue. THE END
32

Page #35

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VIONGIUNCIU UUDIUM U fermen t z ufare Well-adorned Tirthankar Bhagavan with eight divine accompaniments like Ashok-tree, divine sound, throne, chhatra etc.