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The Value of Self-Control
Having been initiated as a muni, Sthuulibhadra was completely engrossed in the religious study of scriptures as well as spiritual practice. On account of his sharp intellect, he became well conversant with the Agmas.
On the eve of the start of Chaturmaas, four monks came to their Guru. The first of these monks announced, "Renouncing all food and water, I want to go into deep meditation for these four months in the cave of a great lion."
The second one declared, "I want to be absorbed in deep kaayotsarg in a place where poisonous snakes live."
The third one proclaimed to the guru, "I intend to meditate uninterruptedly at a river-bank from where maidens take water."
The fourth one, Muni Sthuulibhadra, expressed his desire, "I wish to pass this rainy retreat at the Art Gallery of Kosha, a famous prostitute. It was where I had spent my past twelve years. Now I shall perform a particular penance there."
Judging their capabilities, the Guru allowed them to do as they had planned. The first three monks reached their respective destinations and became absorbed in meditation, penance and study.
