Sadhvi Rukmini

In the city of Pataliputra, a renowned saint named Arya Vajra arrived and set up residence near the outskirts, attracting a large crowd eager to witness his divine presence. Among the multitude was Rukmini, the only child of the wealthiest merchant in Pataliputra, who joined her friends in visiting the saint in a nearby garden.

As everyone, young and old, immersed themselves in the heavenly discourse of Arya Vajra, radiating with the purity of his celibate lifestyle, Rukmini found herself captivated by his physical beauty. Strange as it may seem, she began to envision a future married life with Arya Vajra, nurturing dreams of him as her husband. Determined to marry him, she even expressed her desires to her parents, going as far as threatening to sacrifice herself if they denied her request. Rukmini's infatuation was so intense that she could not bear the thought of being separated from him.

Rukmini's father, Dhan Shresthi, a money-minded man who evaluated everything in terms of wealth, believed that Arya Vajra would renounce his saintliness and agree to marry Rukmini if offered an unimaginable fortune. With this idea in mind, Dhan Shresthi adorned his daughter with opulent attire, valuable ornaments, and a hundred crore coins, and together they approached Arya Vajra. Dhan Shresthi requested Arya Vajra to accept Rukmini as his wife, highlighting her unwavering commitment and emphasizing that the wealth would enable him to experience all worldly pleasures.

However, Arya Vajra remained resolute in his path of renunciation, unaffected by the tempting proposal before him. Unperturbed, he calmly addressed Dhan Shresthi, remarking on his simplicity and innocence. Arya Vajra pointed out that Dhan Shresthi's attempt to ensnare him in the worldly attachments he had already renounced was futile. Arya Vajra compared the offer to trading a desire-fulfilling tree for a small blade of grass or exchanging a swan for a crow. He explained that the allure of worldly pleasures was an attempt to divert him from the penance and renunciation that would lead to the desired spiritual bliss. Arya Vajra proposed that if Rukmini genuinely intended to join him, she should embrace the profound vows of enlightened knowledge, an enlightened worldview, and enlightened conduct. She would need to prepare herself to follow his path of disciplined devotion and spiritual upliftment.

Arya Vajra's persuasively eloquent words dispelled Rukmini's infatuation. The more she listened, the more enlightened she felt, as all her doubts, ignorance, and attachments dissolved. The person she had once regarded as her husband became a divine figure, leading her toward the righteous path of spiritual bliss through his teachings.