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76
Journey into Jainism
The Value of Repentance (1)
Suvrat was born in a rich family. He had every facility at his home. Although a wide array of sweets were offered to him, Suvrat relished the taste of kesariyamodaka. Whenever he desired to eat the modakas, he ordered his cooks to prepare the dish and it would be promptly served to him.
One day Acharya Shubhankar with his Order happened to come to the city. Suvrat was so impressed by their serene nature that he renounced the worldly life to become a monk. After his initiation, he studied Jain canonical literature and performed penance.
All other monks praised him for his keen interest in study and penance. The Acharya too was extremely pleased with Suvrat's learning and spiritual practices.
Once the Acharya went to Rajgriha. On that day there was a special function of modakas. In each home modakas were being prepared. As a result, all the layfollowers were occupied and could not go to receive the Acharya.
A few hours later they came to the Acharya and begged forgiveness for their negligence. The Achaarya asked them how modakas prepared. When the layfollowers explained the process of preparing them, the Acharya believed it to be very rich in diet. Thus he advised all the monks not to go to the houses to collect the alms because it would hamper their study and meditation.
