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The Neranjara River led northwards to where it emptied into the Ganga. If he followed the westward course of the Ganga, he would reach
the village of Pataligrama within a few days. There he could cross to the other side of the Ganga and reach Varanasi, the capital of Kasi.
The children gazed at him until he was out of sight. They were filled with terrible sadness and longing. Sujata cried, and Svasti felt like
crying too, but he did not want to cry in front of his brother and sisters. After a long moment, he said, “Sister Sujata, I need to get ready to
tend the buffaloes. We should all head home. Bala, remember to give Rupak a bath today. Here, I’ll carry Bhima.”
They followed the riverbank back towards the village. No one spoke another word.
The elder Ananda was gentle and friendly, as well as unusually handsome. And he did indeed possess an uncanny memory. He
remembered every detail of every discourse the Buddha gave. He repeated the eleven points the Buddha had elaborated in the Sutra on
Tending Water Buffaloes, to Svasti and Rahula’s gratitude. Svasti realized that Ananda would remember everything Svasti had just
recounted about the Buddha’s time in the forest near Uruvela.
While Svasti recounted his story, he glanced often at Bhikkhuni Gotami. Her sparkling eyes told him how much she enjoyed listening to
all he was saying. He made a special effort to include as many details as he could remember. Bhikkhuni Gotami especially enjoyed hearing
about all the children in Uruvela, like the time they ate tangerines mindfully with the Buddha in the forest.
It was easy to see how much Rahula enjoyed hearing what Svasti had to say. Although the elder Assaji had not made any comments
during the two days Svasti told his story, it was clear he was enjoying it also. Svasti knew that Assaji was one of the five friends who had
practiced self-mortification with the Buddha. Svasti was most curious to know what happened when the Buddha met them after six months
of separation, but he was too shy to ask. As if she could read his thoughts, Bhikkhuni Gotami said, “Svasti, would you like to hear the elder
Assaji tell us what happened after the Buddha left Uruvela? Assaji has been with the Buddha for ten years now, but I don’t think he has
ever spoken about what happened in the Deer Park at Isipatana. Master Assaji, would you consent to tell us about the Buddha’s first
Dharma talk and some of what has taken place in the past ten years?”
Assaji joined his palms and responded, “No need to call me Master, Bhikkhuni Gotami. Today we have already heard a great deal from
Bhikkhu Svasti, and it is almost time for meditation. Why don’t you all come to my hut tomorrow, and I will tell you all that I remember.”
Kondanna took Siddhartha’s begging bowl, Mahanama brought him water, Bhaddiya pulled up a stool, Vappa fanned him with a
palm leaf, while Assaji stood to one side, not knowing what to do.