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unable to attend.”
Venerable Upali stood to speak, “Ananda’s conditions seem most reasonable. I am sure the Buddha will agree to them. However, I
cannot agree with the fourth request. If our brother Ananda does not accompany the Buddha to the homes of lay disciples, how will he be
able to record things the Buddha says to laymen and women which may be of benefit to future generations and all of us? I suggest that
whenever the Buddha is invited for a meal at a layperson’s home, he take another bhikkhu in addition to Ananda. That way, no one can
accuse Ananda of receiving special favors.”
Ananda said, “Brother, I do not think that is such a good suggestion. What if the lay disciple only has the means to offer food to two
bhikkhus?”
Upali retorted, “Then the Buddha and you two bhikkhus will have to be content eating less!”
The rest of the bhikkhus burst into hearty laughter. They knew the problem of finding the best attendant for the Buddha had been solved.
They next considered the proposal that the Buddha hold every rainy season retreat in Savatthi. Savatthi was a good location because
Jetavana, Eastern Park, and the bhikkhunis’ convent were all nearby. It would serve well as the sangha’s main center. With the Buddha in
the same location every year, many people could plan to attend the retreat and receive the Buddha’s teaching directly. Lay patrons such as
Anathapindika and Lady Visakha had already pledged to provide food, medicine, robes, and lodging for any bhikkhus and bhikkhunis
traveling to Savatthi for the retreat season.
The bhikkhus concluded their meeting by agreeing to hold every rainy retreat in Savatthi, and they went directly to the Buddha’s hut to
present their ideas. The Buddha happily accepted both proposals.