LOVE CHANGE LUST INTO ENLIGHTENMENT
The author travels through the ancient lands where tales of beauty and wisdom intertwined, modern psychology and philosophy evolved. His research reveals that every story of history reflects human values and how they should conduct their lives with integrity. The story of Amrapali who lived in the year 500 BCE, whose beauty was said to rival that of Cleopatra. During the time of Gautam Buddha, in the city of Vaishali, Amrapali held the esteemed title of Nagarvadhu, a position of great honor but also one of profound solitude. Despite being revered for her beauty and grace, Amrapali’s life was constrained by the city’s traditions, which forbade her from marrying a single man to avoid conflicts among suitors.
Though Nagaravadhu was considered a prostitute, but her duties indirectly contributed to the peace and harmony of the city. Her role could be seen as a form of patriotism, as she sacrificed her life for the public good, particularly for the benefit of the wealthy.
The psychology of men and their interest in sex and beauty has evolved over thousands of years. Women have often been seen as decorative objects, mainly valued for satisfying men sexually, whether this perception is accurate or not. This perspective reveals the psychological dynamics of male-female relationships in ancient societies, offering insights into the human psyche and its distinct traits.
One day, as the sun bathed the city of Vaishali in golden light, Amrapali stood on her terrace and noticed a young Buddhist monk walking in front of her palace. This monk, carrying only a begging bowl and exuding an aura of serene grace, captured her heart, a heart that had not been moved despite the admiration of kings and generals. She quickly descended and invited the monk to join her for a meal.
Amrapali’s immediate attraction to the monk demonstrates the concept of instant connection, which can occur when someone encounters qualities they deeply admire or find irresistible. The monk’s aura of serene grace and simplicity stood out in contrast to the opulence and superficiality of the kings and generals, making him particularly appealing to her. She may have been projecting her ideals onto the monk. Despite being surrounded by wealth and power, she saw in the monk qualities of humility, grace, and spiritual depth that she subconsciously desired. This projection could lead to a deeper emotional bond as she associates the monk with the fulfillment of her inner longings. Despite her status and beauty, Amrapali’s heart had remained untouched, suggesting unmet emotional or spiritual needs.
By inviting the monk to share a meal with her, Amrapali is seeking validation and acceptance from someone she deeply admires. This action reflects a common psychological need to be acknowledged and valued by those we admire.
The juxtaposition of Amrapali’s status as a celebrated beauty and courtesan with her sudden fondness for a humble monk creates cognitive dissonance—a psychological tension resulting from contradictory beliefs. This dissonance could prompt her to align her external image with her inner aspirations, potentially fostering substantial personal development.
The monk, accompanied by other disciples, entered her abode left rest of the monks on the street. The sight sparked jealousy and anger among the other monks, who could not fathom why such a woman would invite their brother Monk. Despite their feelings of the fellow monks unacceptable, as the monks should be balanced in their emotions and mixture of jealousy, pride, anger and hatred towards the Nagara vadhu (Prostitute), the young monk accepted her hospitality, showing no signs of desire or hesitation. The monk was not a preacher but a practitioner of Dharma.
Jealousy is a complex emotion that can arise from a perceived threat to one’s status or relationships. The monks may feel threatened by the attention their fellow monk is receiving, fearing it may diminish their own standing within the community. The author suggests that the monks’ discontent towards the young monk could be attributed to cognitive dissonance, which is the discomfort caused by conflicting beliefs. Despite their belief that monks should be emotionally balanced and free from worldly desires, they find themselves grappling with feelings of jealousy and anger. Observing their fellow monk receiving special attention from Amrapali may trigger feelings of being undervalued or inferior in their spiritual journey. Their jealousy and anger may be a manifestation of their suppressed desires and emotions. The monks’ reaction could also involve a sense of betrayal or a breach of group loyalty, as they perceive their fellow monk’s acceptance of Amrapali’s hospitality as a departure from their shared principles. Furthermore, their anger towards Amrapali may stem from moral judgment, as they view her profession as conflicting with their values. The monks’ responses may also expose personal insecurities about their own spiritual progress, leading them to question their abilities and resilience when confronted with a fellow monk placed in a potentially challenging situation.
Amrapali, was well aware of the approaching rainy season—a time when monks stayed in one place for four months who used this opportunity to invite the young monk to remain in her home during this period. The monk, committed to his vows, said that he would seek his master’s permission. When he shared the other monks of her request, they were outraged and hurried to Buddha with an intention to defame and demoralize the young monk.
Amrapali’s invitation to the monk to stay with her during the rainy season was a strategic and intelligent decision. It allowed her to connect with the monk on a deeper level, recognizing his spiritual presence and the opportunity for personal growth in his company. By challenging societal norms and prejudices against her profession as a nagarvadhu, Amrapali demonstrated independence and courage in making choices aligned with her inner aspirations. Her emotional intelligence was evident in understanding the monk’s potential influence on her life and valuing spiritual growth over societal expectations. The invitation was a calculated risk, reflecting her ability to weigh risks against rewards and make informed decisions. Amrapali’s courage and determination to break free from her past and seek a higher purpose showcased her intelligence in embracing change for personal transformation. Overall, her decision was driven by a desire for spiritual growth, emotional intelligence, and a strategic approach to transforming her life.
The concerned disciples urged Buddha to prevent the arrangement with Amrapali, but Buddha calmly silenced them and listened to the young monk’s story. Buddha understood that the other monks were not as disciplined or enlightened as the young monk. They questioned the young monk’s ability to resist temptation and were worried about his spiritual well-being. It is a common human tendency to project one’s weaknesses onto others. The other monks doubted their own ability to resist the allure of a beautiful woman and her offerings for an extended period, unlike the confident young monk who was steadfast in his monkhood duties.
As the months passed, rumors filled the air, but Buddha remained composed, trusting in the young monk’s meditation and awareness. He reassured his disciples, explaining that the true test of spiritual depth lay ahead—whether the monk’s meditation could influence Amrapali or if her allure would sway him.
After four months, the young monk returned, followed by Amrapali, now dressed as a Buddhist nun. She had been transformed not by seduction, but by the monk’s presence and awareness. She offered all her possessions, including her beautiful garden and palace, to Buddha’s community, creating a sanctuary for monks.
Buddha turned to his assembly, stating, “When meditation is deep and awareness clear, nothing can disturb it. Amrapali has become one of the enlightened women among my disciples.”
Thus, it is a profound lesson that true transformation comes from within. Amidst the illusions and temptations of the world, one must find their center, live consciously, and trust in their inner strength. Each individual holds the power to transcend illusions, achieve enlightenment, and realize that true freedom lies in the clarity of one’s awareness.
This journey of Amrapali and the young monk is a testament to the enduring power of meditation and the boundless potential of the human spirit.
Dr.Sreedhar Saraswathy