The First Two Convers
The First Two Convers At those two merchants, Tapassu and Bhalluka, from ukkalã (Orissã) were travelling to their native town. Then a Dêvatã, who was a blood-relative of these two merchants, spoke to them as follows:- “The Bless One, good sirs, is dwelling at the foot of the Rãjãyatana tree, soon after His Enlightenment. Go and serve the Blessed One with flour and honeycomb. It will conduce to your well-being and happiness for a long time.” Thereupon the two merchants, Tapassu and Bhalluka, took with them flour and honeycomb, and approaching the Buddha said:- “O Lord, may the Blessed One accept this flour and honeycomb so that it may long tend to our well-being and happiness!” Then it occurred to the Blessed One:- “The Tathãgatas do not accept food with their hands. How shall I accept this flour and honeycomb?” Forthwith the four Great kings understood the thoughts of the Blessed One and from the four directions offered him four stone bowls, saying:- “O Lord may the...