Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c25.37

c25.37

With all these restrictions based on the estimate of woman's worth, the Order of Nuns opened up avenues of culture and social service to the women of Buddhist India for which some of them became very distinguished. The young Church was also able to engage to a remarkable extent the sympathy and generosity of many a lay lady. The munificence of the matron Viśākhā is equalled only by that of the merchant prince Anāthapiṇḍika. Viśākhā was the head of an illustrious roll which included many other names, like Ambapālī of Vaiśalī or Suppiyā of Benares. Whatever might be his opinion on the womanhood, the Buddha was always generously responsive to the offers of hospitality and financial support proceeding from individual women of religious zeal.