________________
DISCOURSE 19
323
"I have to spend this rainy season of four months in your house". Kosha understood that he had come to imitate and emulate Sthulabhadra.
NOW, KOSHA IS A SHRAVIKA !
Kosha did not get angry with the muni. She only pitied him, “This muni has deviated from his path but I will not allow him to lose his way because I am a Shravika. I am a worshipper of Shramans. My duty is to see that somebody who deviates from his path on account of some sinful Karma does not lose his chosen path. But if I exhort this muni to pursue his chosen path of spiritual elevation, my exhortation will not have any effect on him. In order to create in him a spiritual awareness I must adopt some other plan”. Kosha thought and said at once to the muniraj.
"Oh holy man ! you know that we are prostitutes. Prostitutes are interested in money. Have you brought money with
you ?"
The muni fell into a state of deep thoughtfulness. The muni said, "I do not have money with me. From where can I get money? I am a Sadhu”. Kosha said, "Somehow you must bring money. Please go to Nepal. The king of Nepal is a great devotee of Sadhus and saintly men. He will surely give you a shawl worth one lakh rupees as a gift. If you can bring that shawl and give it to me, you can stay here and you can enjoy my company". The muni's mind and heart had been enthralled by Kosha's beauty. He had become deeply infatuated with her. Her beauty, her words, her gestures and actions had destroyed the muni's renunciation. He forgot that he was a Sadhu and he proceeded towards Nepal to fetch the shawl embroidered with gems. JEALOUSY IS FIRE
Why did the muni go to Kosha's home? What happened to him? Can you understand this or not? Have you understood how man may be ruined by jealousy? If that saintly man who had achieved such excellence as a result of stern
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
