The Role of Miss State Beauty in The Tipitaka

Abstract

The findings showed that miss state beauty was originated in ancient India. Since a lot of princes in Licchavi wanted to have a beautiful woman from Vaisali named Ambapali in one’s own possession, they fought against each other, but still could not decide who she should belong to. The Vaisali City Council decided that Ambapali should be kept as city’s possession. Whoever wanted to have pleasure with her had to pay according to the set price, and the Council then legalized prostitution, which was the world's first female brothel called Miss State Beauty meaning beautiful women of the city or courtesan. However, this position required an official appointment. It was also a position of honor with high rank of nobility. Later, other cities appointed their own women as Miss State Beauty.

Regarding the role of Miss State Beauty in contribution to Buddhism, it was found that it affected Buddhist propagation. Almost every Miss State Beauty were ordained when they were old. They finally became an Arahanta and dedicated themselves for propagating Buddhism. Regarding the patronage of Buddhism, Mrs. Sirima, for example, offered eight Slakpats for eight monks who visited her house regularly. She offered alms by giving 16 Khapna every day. Regarding temple building, it was found that Ambapalã offered a mango orchard to the Lord Buddha to build a temple, Ambapalivan. Indirectly, Doctor Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, son of Salavatã, Miss State Beauty, offered a mango orchard to build a temple called Jivaka Ambavana Monastry, which means Ambavana of Doctor Jivaka. Regarding dhamma practice, it was found that Miss State Beauty who became older practiced dharma seriously, were ordained, and became an Arahanta, such as Ambapalã, Padumvatã, Attàkasã, Wimàla, and Salavatã. For Sirima, although she was not ordained, she finally became a Sotapanna.