The Role of Nang Visakha in Shaping Didactic Teachings for Women in the Isan Literature Panya Nang Thewada

Abstract

         This research article aims to investigate the role of Visākhā in the formulation of teachings for women in the Isan literary work The Questions of the Angelic Lady (Panhā Nang Thewadā). The findings reveal that: (1) Visākhā, as portrayed in the Pali commentarial literature (Aṭṭhakathā), played a significant role in shaping the ten moral precepts presented in The Questions of the Angelic Lady. These teachings correspond to the Ten Admonitions delivered by Dhanañjaya, Visākhā’s father, to his daughter before her marriage, preparing her for her future life in her husband's household. (2) These Ten Admonitions constitute an important body of ethical teachings for women that first appeared in the commentarial tradition. Among them, the principle, “Do not take the inner fire outside, and do not bring the outer fire inside,” metaphorically represents actions and words that generate conflict and suffering within and beyond the family. This concept reflects the influence of the Indian sacrificial tradition.

         The incorporation of these moral teachings into The Questions of the Angelic Lady demonstrates the influence of the Pali commentarial account of Visākhā. It can therefore be concluded that the story of Visākhā played a crucial role in the development of teachings for women in this Isan literary work, establishing The Questions of the Angelic Lady as one of the most significant didactic texts for women in the Isan literary tradition.