Once upon a time when Brahmadatta was reigning in Benares, the Bodhisatta was born in a brahmin family, and when he was of age he studied all the arts at Takkasila, and subsequently adopted the religious life of and ascetic. One day, he went to Benares to procure salt and vinegar, and, taking up his abode in a garden, on the next day he entered the city for alms. There was a merchant as Benares, who was a faithful believer. The Bodhisatta asked which was a believing household, and on hearing of the merchant’s family, he went to the door of his house. At that moment the merchant had gone to pay his respects to the king, and neither did any of his people happen to see him. So he turned back and came away.

Then the merchant who was returning from the palace saw him, and took him to his house. There he offered him a seat and comforted him and fed with rich food and he said, “Reverend Sir! Strangers who have come to our doors, whether beggars or holy priests or brahmins, have never before gone away without receiving our hospitality. But to-day owing to your not being seen by our retainers, you have gone away without our hospitality. This is our fault. You must forgive us in this.”

The Bodhisatta on hearing this said:

Not have I to condone,

No anger do I feel,

The thought just once I own

Across my mind did steal,

“Habits of people here

Are just a trifle queer.”

The merechant hearing this responded:

The custom of our family – It was so

Received by us from ages long ago–

Is to provide the stranger with a seat,

Supply his needs, bring water for his feet

And every guest as kinsman dear to treat.

And the Bodhisatta, after teaching the merchant of Benares his duty, went straight back to the Himalayas, where he developed all the Faculties and Attainments.

The Master, having ended his lesson, revealed the Truths and identified the Birth: – At the conclusion of the Truths the Brother attained fruition of the First Path: – “At that time Ananda was the merchant of Benares, and I myself was the ascetic.”