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Sthulabhadra
GANESH LALWANI
Before going for cäturmäsya (four month's retreat during the rains) the young monks came to take leave of the Acarya.
Said one, "Master, I shall utter the mantra sitting on a wooden plank of the dead well.”
Said another, “Master, I shall meditate in kayotsarga pose at the dark entrance of the lion's den."
Said the third, “Master, I shall do penance near a pit of the hillock where a cobra resides.”
Sthulabhadra was the youngest of all. Pondering for a moment in his mind he said, "I shall live this cāturmāsya in the dancing hall of Kosa."
On hearing this a sarcastic laugh spread on all the faces. It was this Kosa with whom Sthulabhadra had lived long twelve years! He was not able to forget her even now. How shameless was he!
But the Acarya said, "All right. You may go.” There was no sign of any consternation on his face.
Sthulabhadra was at the door of Kosa's house.
Seeing him a maid swiftly came near him. She thought the monk had probably lost his way. So bowing a little, she said, “Master, this house belongs to a courtesan."
Sthulabhadra replied, "I know.”
This was something exceptional. She was almost at her wit's end. She simply asked, "What's your name ?”
“Name ? There's nothing special regarding a monk's name.”
Blushing, the maid ran inside to give the message to her mistress.
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