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Kundaliyo Shravak, a merchant specializing in selling ghee, was not only skilled in his trade but also a profound scholar of religious philosophy. During a business trip to the town, he encountered a striking sight: Acharyasuri Ratnakarsuriji being carried in a palanquin, accompanied by scholars, soldiers, and royal servants on his way to the royal palace. This revered Acharya was known for his unparalleled knowledge in various fields like religious philosophy, logic, grammar, literature, and more. No scholar dared to claim expertise in his presence, as his erudition outshone theirs. The king even titled him 'Anekarthvadi' due to his ability to offer multiple interpretations of a single verse.
The prestige bestowed upon Acharyasuri led him to be carried in a palanquin, receive valuable gifts, and wear costly attire. Kundaliyo Shravak found this contradictory for a monk committed to non-possessiveness. Despite his concerns, Kundaliyo respectfully paid his respects to the Acharya. Later, at a lecture, Kundaliyo quoted a verse implying that money was the root of all evils, and its renunciation was a path followed by past sages. This prompted Kundaliyo to gently ask for the verse's true essence. He suggested that holding onto wealth contradicted renunciation and penance.
Acharyasuri provided various innovative interpretations, yet Kundaliyo humbly requested the authentic meaning. Over the course of six months, the Acharya offered different explanations each day, reflecting his erudition. Kundaliyo patiently persisted, returning after six months to confess that his earnings from ghee were depleted and he needed to return to his village. He lamented his inability to comprehend the original meaning.
The next day, the Acharya finally explained the genuine meaning of the verse, which brought joy to Kundaliyo as he headed home. This experience was a turning point for the Acharya, leading him to offer a prayer at Shatrunjaya Tirtha, eventually known as Ratnakar Pachhisi.
In essence, Kundaliyo Shravak's encounter with the scholarly Acharya challenged his apparent contradiction between scholarly eminence and monkhood's ascetic principles. Through patience and humility, Kundaliyo's persistent pursuit of knowledge prompted a transformation in the Acharya, leading to an enriched understanding of spiritual values.
