Page 140 - Courage Redifined

following Anshan. Hence, she thought that going back to her
mentor and fellow sadhvis would decrease her reputation and
lead to unwanted consequences. There was a chance of facing
trouble from the young men and though she wished to die
through Anshan, the current situation showed that destiny had
something else in store for her. Now, she thought that waiting
was the best option. She told the caravan-owner, “I am a
foreigner who is here due to Karmas.”

The caravan owner understood that, “She must have been
abandoned due some crisis situation which she was not willing
to share. But her beauty is so attractive and charming that she
must belong to some noble family. Hence, I should provide
her shelter for the time-being.”
Based on such thoughts, he said, “Sister! You seem to be lost,
also you seem very malnutritioned. Are you suffering from
any disease ? Whatever it is, do not worry. Come along with
me in my caravan.”

The caravan-owner had sly intentions in his heart. Hence, he
talked sweetly. Now the sadhvi’s mind had also become weak.
She had abandoned the thought of death as well Sanyama
(Renounciation of the temporary material world to lead an
ascetic life).‘How to break the Anshan and stay amidst the
sadhvis ? ’this shame stopped her from going back. This made
her agree to go along with the caravan owner. The caravan
owner nourished her by feeding her with healthy, rich food.
Eventually, her beauty blossomed to the fullest. Now how
could the caravan owner control his desires when he saw the
young woman’s beauty ? He was no saint.

How can even a saint, save himself after staying in constant
touch with a beautiful, charming woman ?

Saint Sthoolibhadraji was truly an exception who remained

130 Courage Redefined