Addhakasi Theri, Addhakāsī-therī: 1 definition
Introduction:
Addhakasi Theri means something in Buddhism, Pali. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
In Buddhism
Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper NamesIn Kassapa Buddhas time she had been a nun well established in the precepts. But she reviled an arahant Theri by calling her a prostitute, and for this she was born in purgatory. In the present age she was the daughter of a rich and distinguished citizen of Benares but, because of her former evil speech, became a prostitute in Rajagaha. Having heard the Buddha preach, she entered the Order of the bhikkhunis. Wishing to obtain the higher ordination from the Buddha, she set out for Savatthi, but was waylaid and stopped by libertines. So she sent a man to ask the Buddhas advice and he permitted her to be ordained by a messenger (Thig.vv.25-6; ThigA.30ff.; Vin.ii.277; Ap. ii. 610-11). Her case established a precedent (Sp.i.242). Later she attained arahantship.
It has been suggested (VT.iii.360, n.3; and VT.ii.195-6, n.3) that her name half Kasi might mean that she charged five hundred pieces from her patrons. For, according to Buddhaghosa, Kasi means one thousand, and anything worth one thousand is called kasiya.
Another explanation is, however, given by Dhammapala (ThigA.32). The revenue which accrued to the king for one day from Kasi was a thousand. Addhakasis patrons had to give a like sum to spend a night with her. This is referred to in one of the verses attributed to her in the Theragatha (v.25). For this reason she was called Kasi. But later, many men, not being able to afford a thousand, would pay half the amount and spend the day with her. As a result she became known as Addhakasi.
Theravāda is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).
See also (Relevant definitions)
Relevant text
No search results for Addhakasi Theri, Addhakāsī-therī; (plurals include: Addhakasi Theris, therīs) in any book or story.