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THE WAY OF LIFE
heart. She did not think thus, “This muni has come here out of jealousy for my Gurudev Sthulabhadraji. He has come to emulate him, thinking that he is greater than my Gurudev. I will entangle him in the snares of infatuation. I will ruin this jealous man”. Kosha did not think in this ignoble and foul manner.
2. Kosha did not begin giving him advice soon after he came to her house and said that he wanted to spend the rainy season there. But she sent him to Nepal; she asked him to fetch her the embroidered shawl and then when the muni began to speak of the value of the shawl, she began to speak of the value of the great vows, he had taken. One's duty does not end with merely giving advice. One must save a soul that is falling into spiritual ruin. Only then one's duty may be said to have been fully carried out.
3. Kosha gave her advice to the muni with great politeness, seriousness and decorum conforming to the principles of right conduct towards the muniraj. In Kosha's words there was no harshness or contempt. She also praised his virtues.
WHERE CAN WE FIND SUCH SHRAVIKAS NOW-A-DAYS?
If Shravikas are of this level of excellence, and if any muni on account of the emergence of his sinful Karmas makes to them such an improper entreaty; if they reject his entreaties and if they can advise the muni to recover his sense and discretion, then his passion will subside naturally. But it is a misfortune that such Shravikas are rare. It is more than enough if they can at least keep their husbands on the right path. It would be great if a Shravika remains in her path and pursues it. Now-adays, Shravikas see disgusting movies. They go to clubs and they have become victims of many bad habits. What hopes can we entertain regarding such Shravikas? Sometimes we hear that some women try to make Sadhus go astray. There would not be any delay in causing his downfall if his youth and appearance happen to be attractive.
From the Audience: If a muni has a strong mind and if he is really disciplined what can a woman do?
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