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be fitted into the rules that governed their order, "As nirgrantha nuns, they observed carefulness even about where they walked and how they walked and they were all very well guarded in continence. It was not considered proper in their way of life that any member of their order should stand outside a village or a town to
observe any of the fasts. The proper thing would be to remain inside
a monastery and be properly covered with a garment which is tied round the body. But Sukumarikāwould not accept the advice of the Gopālikā nuns in whom she was gradually losing faith. She stuck to her own plan and observed the fast she had decided upon and kept on standing near the Subhumibhäga garden outside the city.
In the same city of Campa was a Club called Lalitā where a group of Bohemian men gathered and enjoyed themselves in the most carefree manner. They would not be bothered about their parents and families and their perpetual presence was in the houses of courtesans. They indulged in all sorts of rash and thoughtless indiscretion and being wealthy, they were generally not disrespected. In the same town, there was a charming courtesan by the name of Devadattā who had become the centre of attract amongst all the members of the Lalitā club. Once some five of them brought Devadatta to the garden Subhūmibhāga on a pleasurable picnic. One of them made Devadattă sit on his lap, another held an umbrella over her, an enthusiastic member enjoyed decorating her hair with flowers, whereas another member was busy painting her feet and the fifth considered himself lucky to be able to fan her. Devadattā was such an accomplished courtesan that she enjoyed flirting with all of them. Sukumarikā looked at the whole group a felt, "Oh ! How this woman is enjoying the fruits of her former actions ! If there is going to be any benefit from all the austerities, vows and celibacy that I am now practising, then let me also in my next birth, enjoy such pleasures as this woman is now doing." Soon after this, she ended her fast and left the scorching sun.
But since that day Sukumărika was a different woman. She now liked to take care of her own body and even decorate it. She washed her hands, feet, head, face, the space between her breasts, the armpits and even her private parts. Wherever she would rest, she
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