The World of Courtesans c5.46

c5.46

In Buddhist literature courtesans are very closely associated with dancing, singing, drinking and other forms of amusements. As is shown by the epics and the *Jatakas*, wherever people gathered for pleasure, courtesans and trollops followed. The *Brahmajala Sutra* gives the following list of shows which the *bhikkhus* were not allowed to attend since these were bound to divert their attention: dancing (*naccham*), singing (*gitam*), instrumental music (*vaditam*), dramatic shows at the fairs (*pekkham*), ballad recitations (*akkhanam*), hand music or playing of cymbals (*panisaram*), chanting of poetry (*vetalam*), playing on earthen pots as a drum (*kumbhathunam*), fairy scenes (*sobhanagarakam*), acrobatic feats by the Chandalas (*chandala-vamsadhopanam*), combat of elephants, buffaloes, bulls, goats, rams, cocks and quails, bouts at quarter staff (*danda- *yuddham*), boxing and wrestling, sham fights (*uyyodhikam*), roll calls (*balaggam*), manoeuvres (*sena-byuham*) and reviews (*anikadasanam*).