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390
"Bhante! It's wonderful. As a thing turned upside down is put back in its right posture, as a covered think is uncovered, as one who has missed his path is restored to the right track, as an oil-lamp shows the way in the midst of darkness so that one may see with his own eyes, so, Bhante, you have given the Law (dharma) in diverse ways. I take shelter unto the Buddha. I take shelter unto the Dharma. I take shelter into the Sangha. From this day, please count me as one come to thy succour with folded hands, and for to-morrow,please accept invitation to receive food with thy monks from me".
The Buddha conveyed his assent through silence. Anathapindika bowed and returned home.
When Sresthi Rajagṛhaka heard that the Buddha had been invited by Anathapindika on his own behalf, he hurried to Anathapindika and said to him.
"Grhapati! You are my guest. So please let me bear the cost of serving food to the Buddha and his monks, and you supervise over the management".
Anāthapindika
"Please allow me to avail this chance of serving food to the Buddha and his monks. hope, you agree".
I
When the Naigama (which is a higher position than that of a Sresthi) of Rajagṛha heard this, he offered to bear the cost himself; but Anathapindika declined the offer again.
Thus Grhapati Anathapindika arranged to receive the Buddha and his monks at the residence of Sresthi Rajagṛhaka. A party was sent to bring the Buddha to the Gṛhapati's house. In the forenoon, the Buddha came duly covered, with the begging bowl and cloth in his hand, to the residence of Gṛhapati Rajagṛhaka. He sat on the cushion already spread for him. Anathapindika served him food with his own hands. After the Buddha had dined, Gṛhapati Anathapindika sat near him and submitted,
"Bhante! I invite you with your monks to spend the next monsoon at Sravasti".
