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MAHAYOGI STHULABHADRA
Part-2
Mahayogi Sthulabhadra occupies a place pride of in the Jain tradition. Arya Bhadrabahu, the scholar of fourteen Purvas (subtle canons), imparted the knowledge of two chapters short ten Purvas complete with text and meaning to him. Of the remaining Purvas he was taught only the text. Arya Sthulabhadra was extremely sharp, intelligent, serene, and humble. He continues to be famous as a vanquisher of carnality to an astonishing degree. The renowned prime minister of the Mauryan empire, Chanakya, was his classmate and childhood friend. Attracted by his personality and qualities, Rupakosha, the royal courtesan and descendent of famed dancer Amrapali, had dedicated herself to Sthulabhadra. For twelve years he remained enchanted by her beauty and charm, but a sudden change with in made him completely detached at the youthful age of 30 years. He renounced the world and became an ascetic disciple of Arya Sambhutivijaya.
With profound meditation he conquered all his carnal desires. He remained an ordinary ascetic for 30 years. After that he took over as acharya (the head of the religious organization) and successfully discharged his duties for 45 years. During the three years drought in Magadh the ascetic organization disintegrated. When the drought was over, Sthulabhadra regrouped the scattered ascetic organization and protected the declining tradition of canonical knowledge. In 311 B.C. he embraced death peacefully in meditation on Vaibharagiri when he was about 99 years old.
Jain tradition expresses its adoration for Arya Sthulabhadra even today by reciting a couplet on all auspicious occasions - 'Auspicious is the name of Bhagavan Mahavir and so is that of Gautama Prabhu. Auspicious are the names of Sthulabhadra and other ascetics and so is Jain religion."
Acharya Shrimad Vijaya Nityanand Surishvar has written this glorious story of Arya Sthulabhadra in two parts. We express our gratitude to him.
Editor:
Muni Chidanand Vijaya
Written by:
Acharya Shrimad Vijaya Nityanand Suri Managing Editors:
Dr. Mansukhbhai Jain, Sanjay Surana
PUBLISHERS
-Shrichand Surana 'Saras'
Jain Education International
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