Arya Sthulabhadra Diwakar Chitrakatha 042

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

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

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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 PUBLISHERS -Shrichand Surana 'Saras' Translator: MAHAVIR SEVA TRUST A-7, SAGAR NIWAS, 1ST FLOOR, OFF MANCHHUBHAI ROAD, MALAD (E), MUMBAI-400 097. PH. (O) 8811397, (R) 8892121 FEDERATION OF JAIN ASSOCIATIONS IN NORTH AMERICA (JAINA) C/o DR. P.B. GADA, 4410, 50TH STREET, LUBBOCK, TEXAS-79414 (U.S.A.). PH. 806-793-8555 Surendra Bothara SHREE DIWAKAR PRAKASHAN A-7, AWAGARH HOUSE, OPP. ANJNA CINEMA, M.G. ROAD, AGRA-282 002. PH.: (0562) 351165 ALL

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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 COO oak Father, we want to go with you to see the king. conco pola 0000000 000000 fool 000 Fin 00 000 lad 1000 One day when minister Shakadal was ready to go to the assembly his two sons insisted Annnnnny Alright, come along you two. This is the family tradition of the Kalpakas. b z F Shakadal and his two sons left for the assembly. JOL 40.43 EKED 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 d 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 K2 && M& w T 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? 00000 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. O 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., mat 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 ? (c) (r) Minister, it was you who praised him. I would never give without your nod. (r) 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. w ww 2000 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 www 600 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

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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. 26

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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 Cheng 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.

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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 Mei Mei 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 (Tang . 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,

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.