Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh (early history)
by Prakash Narayan | 2011 | 63,517 words
This study deals with the history of Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh (Northern India) taking into account the history and philosophy of Buddhism. Since the sixth century B.C. many developments took place in these regions, in terms of society, economic life, religion and arts and crafts....
Sister-sister
In describing a “sister-like wife” the Buddha says, “Like the respect which a sister gives to the elder sister (jettha bhagini) a “sister-like wife” respects her husband. Acting meekly she serves her husband’s every wish.”[1] This makes it clear that the elder sister was respected.
The fact that Mahapajapati and her sister Maya, the Buddha’s mother, were both married to suddhodana sakya[2] shows the solidarity between sisters. In additions, it is Mahapajapati who served the Buddha as his mother’s sister, nurse and foster mother.[3]
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
Anguttara Nikaya.V.93.
[3]:
Anguttara Nikaya.IV.276, bahupakara mahapajapati Gotami Bhagavato matuccho apadiko posika.