Jain Journal 2001 10

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

Page 31

BRAHMESHANANDA : JAIN ĀCĀRYA STHÜLABHADRA
83
king. We need not go into the details, however interesting, of the rivalry between Shakadala and one Vararuci and the course of events that followed leading to the premature and unnatural death of Shakadala. After his death, Shreyaka was offered the post of Prime Minister, but he politely declined, stating that his elder brother was the rightful heir and should be summoned.
Sthūlabhadra was completely oblivious of the world for all these twelve years. He was startled by the news of his father's death and by the summons of the king. Bidding goodbye to his sweetheart, and fearing further trouble, he hurried to the court. There he came to know in detail the circumstances that led to his father's death. He was asked to accept the Prime Minster's post, but he begged to be allowed to consider deeply the offer before accepting it. He retired into solitude.
The moment of his awakening and conversion had arrived, he discriminated thus :
A state official, however, high his post, is, after all, a servant of the king. How can there be happiness for one who is subordinate to another ? Even though one may be fully dedicated to the State, there
never any dearth of backbiters and fault-finders who are ever ready to create problems. My father died prematurely on anccount of his ministerial post. By accepting this office I will have to please the king as well as the public, which is very difficult. Besides, the burden of administrative work leaves no time for thinking about the Self.
This discrimination awakened the true spirit of renunciation in Sthūlabhadra. He forthwith renounced the world, received the monastic vows from Ācārya Sambhūta Vijaya and returned to the court in the garb of a monk. Everyone was amazed. He was persuaded by all, including the king and his brother, to reconsider his decision, but to no avail. The king, however, suspected that he was probably going to Kosha by thus deceiving all ! But when he saw Sthūlabhadra proceed in some other direction, he felt sorry for his suspicion.
Sthūlabhadra became a monk at the age of thirty and lived the rigorous monastic life for sixty nine long years. He was humble. intelligent, hardworking and austere. Diligently cultivating virtues such as patience, forbearance, equanimity and forgiveness, he soon became the most trusted lieutenant of his guru.
Rainy season was drawing close. Now, according to the traditional