The World of Courtesans c9.40

c9.40

The story of Vasantatilaka and Dhammilla throws an interesting sidelight on the profession of a courtesan. Dhammilla, a foolish young man, was the son of a rich caravan leader. His wife's desire remained unsatisfied. His mother learnt of this state of affairs and she gave her son some advice. She said, "What is the use of all your learning? Try to enjoy the pleasures of life. Gather some experience in the arts of love." To furnish him with this experience she got him admitted to the *lalitagoshthi*, and she did this in spite of her husband's protestations. Then he and the members of the club (*gotthiyajana*) roamed the gardens and forests of the area and visited a gambling house (*sabha*). They wanted to get used to a luxurious mode of living.