Jain Journal 1985 04

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 57

APRIL, 1985
157
Said Kosa, "Does my pain affect you ?”
“Yes, Kosa. Just remember, one day I came to you being in love giving up everything. I was happy but that was not unobstructed bliss. Kosa, was there no dissatisfaction ? No pain? Pleasures after enjoying which there is no weariness, no pain, no dissatisfaction is bliss. Full bliss."
The light radiating from the eyes of the monk drove away the darkness of Kosa's mind like the rays of the Sun. She said, “Master, I am fallen. May I be initiated in that truth."
“Why not?” said Sthulabhadra.
After the end of the cãturmāsya all the monks returned except Sthulabhadra. They thought Sthulabhadra would not come. Seeing the tears of a courtesan if one could remain restrained ! It was hoping against hope.
But Sthulabhadra did return. His face was aglow with penance. He bowed to the Acarya. The Acarya made him sit beside him by holding his hands.
Seeing this all the monks were astounded. It was sheer injustice, undue favour. The honour which was not given to those who observed this vow with rigour was given to Sthulabhadra who lived in the house of a courtesan! Who knew how ? But none dared to say it openly.
Again came the căturmāsya. All the monks went away. But not he who observed this vow last year near the den of the lion. He said, “Master, I shall observe this vow in the house of Kosa this year.”
The Acarya replied, “It is most difficult. Will you be able to do it ? You will repent if you go there being envious."
“Master, permit me. I have made up my mind.”
The Acarya replied, “Then I have nothing to say."
When the monk said to Kosa that he had come to observe the vow of cāturmāsya in her house, Kosa remembered the day Sthulabhadra came to her house with the same purpose. She said, "In this fortunate am I.”