Jain Story Book

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi

Page 87

too much engrossed in love of Kosha. He had lost all political ambition and therefore declined the offer. He was so much enamored of Kosha that he did not even feel much concern for his aged father or other family members. The king had therefore appointed Shriyak in his court.
Later part of Dhananad's regime witnessed major political upheavals. In Patliputra situation was in turmoil. Lot of people were feeling dissatisfied with the administration. Many of them were looking for the end of Nand dynasty. Dhananand was therefore feeling unsafe and was suspicious of every one. He was suspicious of Shriyak too. Shaktäl knew this and was much worried about the political future of his son. In order to provide proof of Shriyak's loyalty to the king, Shaktäl himself courted death at the hands of his own son.
When Sthulibhadra learnt about that tragic event, he was taken aback. By that time he had spent 12 years with Kosha and had never cared for any one else. His father's death was an eye opener. He started reflecting on his past life. 'Twelve long years of my youthful life! What did I get during this long period?' He realized that he had not gained anything that would endure. The tragic end of his father brought home to him the reality that the life does come to an end. 'Is there no way to escape death? he asked himself, '
What is the nature of life after all? Who am I and what is the mission of my life?'
Dwelling deep into these questions, he realized that the body and all worldly aspects are transitory and physical pleasures do not lead to lasting happiness. He looked at his image in the mirror and noticed the unmistakable marks of lustful life. He realized that he was wasting his youth and it was the time to retract. He made up his mind to go in search of lasting happiness. He rose and leaving the home of Kosha, he proceeded straight to Acharya Sambhutivijay who was the fifth successor to Lord Mahavir. Surrendering himself to Achärya, he said that he was sick of the lustful life and wanted to do something worthwhile in the life. Acharya looked at him. Here was a young man of 30 who seemed to have lost the youthful vigor. The lustful life had virtually knocked him down; but brightness inherited from the illustrious father was still apparent on his face. In his sense of desperation, the learned Acharya saw hope for the Lord's religious order and accepted him as his pupil.
Sthulibhadra did not take much time in adjusting to the new pattern of life. He was now keen to make good for the lost years. He decided to devote his energy for spiritual upliftment. He started working diligently and in no time gained the confidence of his preceptor. Sambhutivijay died shortly after that and his colleague Bhadrabahuswami took over as the head of the religious order. Under his stewardship, Sthulibhadra thoroughly studied all the available scriptures excepting Purvas. His life as a monk was also exemplary. He had successfully overcome the sense of attachment and gained control over all sorts of defilements.
Once, plans were being laid down for the ensuing monsoon. Sthulibhadra and three of his colleagues who had attained high level of equanimity wanted to test it by spending the monsoon under the most trying conditions. Those three colleagues had planned to spend it in utmost hazardous situations. One of them said that he would stay at the entrance of a lion's den; another wanted to spend it near a snake's hole; the third wanted to spend it on the top of an open well. The preceptor knew about their capabilities to withstand the hardships and permitted them. He then asked Sthulibhadra about his plans and the latter said that he would like to spend it in the picture gallery of Kosha. Acharya knew very well how tough it was to stay unattached under those highly comfortable and seductive circumstances, The way Sthulibhadra had however adapted to the new life and the severity with which he was observing the code of conduct, the Acharya felt confident about his capacity to face that ordeal and permitted him to go to Kosha.
Accordingly Sthulibhadra went to Kosha's palace and asked her to allot him the picture gallery. She was badly missing him and was glad that he had come back. She asked him to stay in the room he was occupying earlier. Sthulibhadra however insisted on staying in the gallery. She thought that he was unduly attracted to the lustful picturesque gallery, but that was a welcome