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disturbed in his mind, and busy giving orders to his men and slaves to prepare food. I wonder if there is some wedding at the house, or some great sacrifice, or if Sreņika, the King of Magadha, is coming to his house with all his men to dine'.
When at last Sreşihi Rajagrhaka found time to come to him and welcome him to his house, Anāthapingika enquired about the special occasion for which all his men were so very busy. Said the Sreșthi,
"'There is no wedding in the house, nor any sacrifice. I have not even invited Srenika, the, King of Maga dha, to dinner. But I have invited Bhagavan Buddha with all his monks to come and receive food at my house".
Anāthapiņờika felt a pleasant surprise when he heard these words, Said he,
"What did you say, the Buddha"!
And as if mechanically, he repeated this thrice. The Sreșthi said,
"You are right. The Buddha is coming to my house".
“Anāthapiņdika - "It's a rare chance even to hear the word 'Buddha' being mentioned. (I am so fortunate that I shall have a chance to meet him). May I go at once to - see the duly Enlightened, the Bhagavān, the Arhat".!
Sreşthi - "No, this is no appropriate time to see him".
Anathapindika somehow passed the night. During the night, he got up thrice and intended to go, but in the prevailing stillness, he could not gather necessary courage to step out. But he could neither remain in bed, (so great was his uneasiness), and got up pretty early. He started to see the Buddha. But when he arrived at the city gate, it was not yet open. But the gods came to his aid and the gate was opened. Anathapindika came out of the city. After he had gone some distance, the city lights came to an end and it was all pitchy dark. Anātha
