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Jivaka, was unable to attend because of his medical studies. A curious thing happened the day before she was to serve the Buddha and his
bhikkhus a meal. On her way home from visiting the Buddha, her carriage was stopped by several princes of the Licchavi clan. They were
the most powerful and wealthiest lords in Vesali and traveled in handsome, elegant carriages. They asked her where she was going, and she
replied she was on her way home to prepare to receive the Buddha and his bhikkhus the following day. The young nobles suggested she
forget about the Buddha and invite them instead.
The princes said, “Invite us and we will pay for the meal with one hundred thousand pieces of gold.” They were certain that hosting a
monk could not possibly be as amusing or profitable as entertaining themselves.
Ambapali was not interested. She replied, “It is clear you do not know the Buddha or you would not speak in such a manner. I have
already made arrangements to invite the Buddha and his sangha. Even if you offered me the entire city of Vesali and all the land surrounding
it, I would refuse. Now if you please, let me pass. I have much to do to prepare for tomorrow.”
Taken aback, the Licchavi nobles let her pass. Little did Ambapali know that after their encounter with her, they decided to go and see
this teacher who was so highly respected by Ambapali. They left their carriages at the entrance to Great Forest and walked in.
The Buddha could tell that these young men possessed many seeds of compassion and wisdom. He invited them to be seated and he
told them about his own life and search for the Way. He told them about the path to overcome suffering and realize liberation. He knew
they belonged to the same warrior caste he had belonged to and looking at them, he could see himself as a young man. He spoke to them
with warm understanding.
Their hearts were opened by the Buddha’s words. They felt they could see themselves for the first time. They understood that wealth
and power were not enough to bring them true happiness. They knew they had found a path for their lives. They all asked to be accepted
as lay disciples. They also asked if they could offer the Buddha and his sangha a meal the next day.
The Buddha said, “We have already been invited by Ambapali for tomorrow.”
The young nobles smiled, remembering their encounter with Ambapali.
“Then allow us to offer you a meal on the following day.”
The Buddha smiled his acceptance.
Ambapali invited all her relations and friends to the mango grove the next day. She invited the Licchavi nobles, as well, to hear the
Buddha offer teaching.
The day after, the Buddha and a hundred bhikkhus ate in the princes’ palace. They were served elegant and refined vegetarian dishes
that had been prepared with the utmost skill and care. The princes also offered the bhikkhus jackfruit, mangos, bananas, and rose-apples
freshly picked from their own orchards. When the meal was finished, the Buddha spoke about dependent co-arising and the Noble
Eightfold Path. He touched everyone’s heart with the teaching. Twelve young nobles asked to be ordained as bhikkhus. The Buddha
happily accepted them. They included Otthaddha and Sunakhatta, two princes who wielded great influence in the Licchavi clan.
When the meal and teaching were completed, the Licchavi nobles entreated the Buddha to come dwell in Vesali the following year. They
promised to build a monastery in Great Forest where several hundred bhikkhus could dwell. The Buddha accepted their proposal.
Ambapali visited the Buddha early the next morning. She expressed her desire to offer the mango grove to the Buddha and his sangha.
The Buddha accepted her gift. Shortly afterwards, the Buddha, Sariputta, and three hundred bhikkhus headed north for Savatthi.