In the 7 weeks following Nirvana, Buddha demonstrated that he had transcended ordinariness. He did not eat or drink. Neither was there any desire or ambition to achieve anything. Meditative bliss became natural. He manifested a golden bridge in the sky, walked in the air, created a jeweled chamber out of thin air, and emitted light rays from his body. He was not the slightest bit disturbed by uninvited temptresses. He allowed a giant snake to coil itself around him. In short, there was no excitement, agitation, indignation, fear, etc. Although human, yet beyond human. If we know all this, then it becomes difficult for anyone to pretend that they are Buddha.

During the seventh week, the Buddha meditated under the rajayatana tree. However, his existence will soon be discovered by mortals and on the 50th morning, two merchants came into his presence.

They were called Tapussa and Bhallika and they offered the Buddha rice cakes and honey. But how did 2 merchants know about Buddha? Who taught them to offer the Buddha’s first meal?

The story reveals that a deva had taught them and that Deva was none other than their mother from a previous lifetime. Not their present mother but their former one. After she passed away and was reborn a Deva, he had been watching over them. I like this narrative of a guardian angel. How a mother will continue watching over her children even when she has been reborn into a higher realm and become a male heavenly being.

Before Buddha’s enlightenment, a noble lady had offered him milk rice together with a golden bowl. After that meal, Buddha floated that golden bowl into the river. Therefore, Buddha did not have any utensil to receive the offering by Tapussa and Bhallika.

What happened next must be awesome to witness. The four heavenly Kings appeared and offered bowls made of precious blue stone to Buddha. However, the Buddha rejected their gifts. These deities then offered alternatives. This time they offered bowls that were made of ordinary stone.

The Buddha accepted the bowl offered by each of the 4 heavenly Kings. In that manner, there were four bowls in front of him and he simply fused them together with his mind! Consequently, Buddha’s begging bowl was made of stone and had four rims.

Imagine ourselves in the shoes of the 2 merchant brothers. First, an angel appeared and told us to make food offerings to Buddha, telling us which directions to take. When we did as told, we came upon a holy man sitting under a tree. Then all of a sudden, 4 mightier beings appeared out of thin air, majestic and godly. Yet they showed great respect to that holy man. When they presented gifts made of precious stones to that guy, he rejected their offer! I mean how many people would say no to 4 gods? And it was a fine gift after all. Then that seemingly ordinary guy, that holy man willed four solid stone bowls into a single one right in front of our eyes.

After receiving the offered meal and finishing it, Buddha thanked the 2 merchants and gave them a short explanation. Buddha was appreciative, calm, compassionate, and loving. From this perspective, it isn’t difficult for us to understand the deep faith that arose within the minds of these 2 merchants.

Consequently, they took refuge in Buddha and his teachings. This part of the story is very important for beginners in Buddhism. We should ask ourselves, what is a Buddhist refuge? How should we perceive Buddha, the object of our refuge?

I think refuge encompasses a deep sense of faith in the extraordinariness of Buddha. Although we may not understand enlightenment, we need to remember that Buddha was not an ordinary man. He was so special that even gods would bow to him respectfully.

May all be well and happy.

Discussion

Talk about what Buddha means to you. When you take refuge in Buddha, what do expect in return?