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but she also lost her mother’s lap. She had now landed in
the Jain merchant’s house as a trade girl. How immense was
her sorrow ! But she did not cry, plead or accuse anyone. She
knew that it was a sin.

She had the following things in mind :

(1) Understanding the nature of her previous karmas, she
stayed calm and composed.

(2) Second, she accepted the refuge of the Arihanta Lords at
all times. “I am in the shelter of the great Arihantas.” Thus
I have absolutely nothing to worry. He will take care of
everything. I have to only take care of Him.

Thus, her heart and mind overflowed with the above two
thoughts. Where was there place for hatred or anger ? Why
commit the sins of allusion and deceit ?
I have attained the shelter of the great Arihantas and the
glorious Jinshasana. Then it is essential to leave the sins
and vices accumulated over past births.

Sit back and think about Chandanbala’s difficult situation – A
princess by birth now living as a slave ! Add to it Dhanasheth’s
jealous and cruel wife who shaved her hair off and locked her
in a dungeon depriving her off food and water.

Inspite of all these adversities, she possessed -

∙ Remarkable tolerance
∙ Awesome composure
∙ Amazing humility
∙ Astounding devotion for God
∙ Faithful chanting of Lord Mahavir’s name even though she
was hungry, thirsty shut in the dungeons for 3 long days
of summer.

5. Religion and Character 27