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The Value of Resolution
renounced,” after which he assured himself that, "if Bhavadeva muni had died, the mother must also have
died.”
Thus thinking he reached the outskirts of the village in the guise of muni. . Naagala was one of a group of women passing by. Seeing the monk, she approached and bowed to him. Bhaavadeva asked her, “Do you live in this village?” When she replied in the affirmative, he asked, “Do you know the famous householder Revati ?"
Naagala answered, “We all knew her, for she was a religious lady in our town,” after which Bhaavadeva continued, “Is she happy these days?" He at last received the massage which he had sought, “She died many years ago." Bhaavadeva felt it a boon, "Now there is no obstacle blocking my way to my cherished object.' He further inquired, “Do you know her daughter-in-law ? Where does she live? How is she doing these days?"
Naagala now recognized her husband, but could not fathom why he had come and why he was asking her such questions. She did not reveal her identity, but rather tried to elicit from him some comprehensible information.
Naagala: I know her very well. She is also a religious lady like her mother-in-law. She has adopted the life of celibacy forever, and inspired her husband to do the same.. Why are you asking me such questions about women ? It does not behove a monk.
Bhaavadeva: Naagala is my wife and that is why I am enquiring about her.
Naagala: A Jain monk has no wife. What are you saying?
