Stories From Jainism

Author(s): Mrugendramuni
Publisher: Jain Yoga Foundation

Page 71

this Sadhu, all the maid-servants of Kosha came out and saluting him said, “Maharaj, this is a harlot's place." Then they went in to inform their mistress of the arrival of the monk. Kosha was astonished to see a monk before her. She wondered if she had seen him somewhere but she could not recollect. The monk's eyes revealed no carnal passions. There was blissful peace instead.
Then Sthulabhadra said, “Kosha, I have come to you to pass the rainy period." Immediately she recognised him and exclaimed. “You are Sthulabhadra!" "Have you forgotten me, dear?” responded the monk. Kosha was stunned to hear these words. How could she forget a man she had loved in the past? In fact, she used to dream of him, day in and day out. She then began to shed tears and soon fell down on the ground in a swoon.
When she regained her consciousness, she wondered whether she was in a dream. Then Sthulabhadra asked her permission again. She was gazing at the sky, but she could not concentrate, nor enjoy the splendidness of the variegated sky. She thought him to be away from her, though he was near her at that time.
She asked, “Are you going to put up in the dancinghall?" "Please don't be particular about my stay. I now lead a monk's life." "I know you. Have you not been here for twelve years?" asked Kosha, with sarcasm.
To this Sthulabhadra said, “I was then deeply enamoured by you and had lost all sense of discretion."