Stories From Jainism

Author(s): Mrugendramuni
Publisher: Jain Yoga Foundation

Page 73

went to him. She demanded to share the bed with him. But she did not succeed in her effort.
Then one full-moon night, she began her charming dance in front of this monk. But he seemed not to be agitated. Even the musical strains created no disturbance in Sthulabhadra.
But Kosha was not deterred. She wanted to win him back.
One night, Kosha was playing on her Veena (lute). And Sthulabhadra went to her. He, however, found her pale and sullen. So he asked her to give up her sullenness. He promised her divine bliss. This touched the inner being of Kosha. She confessed being a fallen creature and asked to be redeemed
After the monsoon was over, all the other sadhus returned to the Acharya. And after a few days Sthulabhadra, too, came back. His face bore signs of severe penance. When the Acharya received him with love and respect, the other sadhus felt jealous of him. They wondered why a man visiting a harlot should be considered pure and worthy. But they could not express their feelings before their Acharya.
At the time of the next monsoon, the sadhu who had dwelt in the mouth of the cave inhabited by the lion, wanted to go and live with Kosha. He was, therefore, permitted.
But when this proud monk went there he found Kosha so simple and pure. There was no bewitchment in her. But, gradually, his penance began to decrease. Kosha found him 60