Ambapali

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The theme of men fighting over a woman, which is as old as the hills,

inspired Homer's Iliad of classical times. The kidnapping of Sita by

a demon king is central to the plot of Valmiki's masterpiece of

religious literature The Ramayana. But as far as we know, no prince

dared to take Ambapali away, using force. Yet they importuned her

with offers of marriage.

 

The princes tried hard to settle their dispute by peaceful

negotiation. Apparently their efforts were depressing and frustrating

because of their competing claims to the sole ownership of her. We do

not know if Ambapali herself had had any say in this matter, but

these tactful men handled the delicate situation with considerable

diplomatic skill. They decided to use her equally between them! Soon

the damsel was not exactly a common prostitute but a respectable

courtesan who was dispensing sexual favours only to those who were

considered socially superior.

 

Ambapali was not after all such a bad woman because her philanthropic

disposition and compassion prompted her to make considerable

donations of her wealth to charity. This particular detail is

noteworthy since the virtue of Dana (liberality or alms-giving) is

the first in the list of ten Paramita (perfections or qualities) that

lead to the supreme state of Buddhahood. It is possible to whittle

away the ego's urge to cling to things by parting with one's

treasured possessions.

 

One of Ambapali's distinguished friends was King Bimbisara of

Magadha. He is remembered as the first of the kings who served and

supported the Buddha. Once when the king asked the great sage where

he would like to reside, the Buddha specified that it should be a

pleasant and secluded place that is neither crowded during the day

nor too noisy at night. It must also be airy with a minimum of noise

wherein it would be possible to live in privacy. Thereupon the king

donated to the Buddha his Bamboo Grove with many shady trees. Later

in this tranquil Veluvanarama park the Buddha spent several rainy

seasons.

 

After meeting the famed beauty in person, even this good King

Bimbisara, despite his righteousness and the nobility of his mind,

succumbed to the temptation to make love to her. Consequently,

Ambapali gave birth to a son. The narrative needs to be interrupted

now but it will be resumed later.

 

While going on his final journey with a large number of monks, the

Buddha resided temporarily at Vaisali. He stayed at Ambapali's Mango

Grove and gave an address to his retinue of monks. " Be mindful and

thoughtful, O bhikkus, " he declared, " whatever you do, always have an

alert mind. At all times be watchful when you are eating or drinking,

walking or standing, sleeping or being awake, talking or remaining

silent. "

 

To be continued...