Journey Into Jainism

Author(s): Smitpragyashreeji, Vishrutvibhashreeji
Publisher: B Jain Publishers Pvt Ltd

Page 38

The Value of Self-Control
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COLORIETENCIA
express her feelings to him and remind him of their previous love for each other. Muni Sthuulibhadra heard her reminiscences, but never commented.
When all her efforts failed to bear fruit, and she lost all hopes of winning him over, Muni Sthuulibhadra spoke some soothing words, "Kosha, there was a time when we were attached excessively in the bond of love. At that stage, the whole universe seemed insignificant except us. We thought we were in pure ecstasy, but in reality it was just illusion. True happiness cannot be achieved through any person, substance, or circumstance. It is absolute and is the true nature of the soul. Before, I was attracted to you, but since my father's demise, I have obtained a greater understanding. Now I am able to dive deep into reality and to experience a true and indescribable joy. I have pure feelings towards you; you seem to me to be my sister, and you should also view me as your brother."
These beautiful words from a spiritual practitioner melted the heart of Kosha. Detachment took shape instead of sexual instincts. Muni Sthuulibhadra gave his lecture for four months, and changed the heart of Kosha. He had come there with the moral purpose of giving her true knowledge and of revealing the path to a virtuous, meaningful life. In this attempt he had succeeded. Kosha was thereafter a religious householder, a follower of the twelve vows enjoined upon a laywoman.
At the end of Chaaturmaas, all the monks except Sthuulibhadra came before the Guru, who gave them due regard and praised them for performing their severe penance successfully. At last, Muni Sthuulibhadra arrived and bowed down at the lotus feet of his Guru. All were