Kama Shastra/ Kâm Shâstr/ Vaishika
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Tales about the Kâm Shâstr
Jaina philosophy: There always is so much more to learn
Sudhamahi Regunathan, February 27, 2023: The Times of India
Jainas took great care to spice their sermons, to grab the listener’s attention. For example, how interesting would it be to hear a monk tell you to be humble and always remember that you can learn more? Instead, what if the monk were to tell you the story of a young man who once set out to study Kama Shastra, also called Vaishika, the art of courtesans?
The young man set out from a village not so close to Pataliputra. After walking for an entire day, he sought to rest in a village on the way.
As he looked around for a place to stay, he saw a graceful woman walking out of her house. He asked her if she could help him find a shelter for the night.
The lady looked him up and down. “Iam going to Pataliputra to study Kama Shastra,” he quickly added. She simply said, “Do not forget me after you finish your study. Do visit me on your way back. ”
The youth promised to do so. The woman showed him a place to rest and the next morning the young man proceeded towards Pataliputra. It took him several years to complete his course, and when he was done, the man wiser in his knowledge of women and the art of love making, set off on his journey back home. He knew everything, what that flutter of the eye meant, what the ‘come hither’ look was and much more. He did not forget the lady who had met him in the village en route. The moment the woman saw him, her wholebody seemed to rise in exclamation. She made a beautiful room ready for him in her house and suggested he stay for a few days.
Should one begin to describe the room she got ready or the manner in which her maids served him! They brought hot water for his feet, scents for his pillow, incense for his room, garlands for his neck … As the young man looked at himself in his reflections, he thought, “I must be truly handsome and attractive … this lady has fallen in love just at the sight of me. ”
The thrill of that thought filled his head and made his demands outrageous, and she saw to it that he got them and more. He was convinced that he was truly a great production. Then one day, when the time seemed right and there seemed no room for doubt, he caught the woman by her wrist to pull her closer. Lo and behold! She screamed so loud. Terrified, the young man left her hand in a hurry. The woman then threw a mud pot full of water on the youth. It hit him on the forehead. The people of the village came running. “Ha!” wailed the woman, “the young man fainted and I threw water on him to revive him but the pitcher broke. ”
It really did appear as though he had fainted. The villagers went back. And the woman said, “Have you indeed learnt of all the ways of a woman? Never take a woman for granted” The young man left for home. He had learnt one important lesson; that there was so much more to learn.
