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17
STHULABHADRA
W hen the monsoon months were about to begin,
V sadhus, who were new to the order, went to their Acharya to bid farewell.
One sadhu said, “I shall undergo penance by sitting on the wooden lid of a dry well."
The second one said, “I shall meditate at the mouth of the dark cave where a lion lives."
Then another said, “Sir, I shall do penance at the mountain-chasm where a python lives."
The youngest of them was Sthulabhadra who said, “Sir, I shall carry out my discipline in the dancing hall of Kosha, a courtesan."
Hearing this resolve, all the young Sadhus laughed sarcastically. This was the courtesan whose love had attracted Sthulabhadra and made him live at her place for twelve years, in the past. Well, he had not yet forgotten her, though he was a monk.
The Acharya agreed to the request of the youngest disciple. So, Sthulabhadra went to Kosha's house. On seeing
