Cakes being offered to the Buddha by the brothers Tapussa and Bhallika

15. Cakes being offered to the Buddha by the brothers Tapussa and Bhallika

Not long after his attainment of Supreme Buddhahood, the Blessed One sat cross- legged at the foot of the Rajayatana tree (Buchanania latifolia). At that time two brothers Tapussa and Bhallika, from a village called Ukkala went for trade to (the middle Districts of) India where the Buddha was dwelling. A deity who was related to them in a past existence informed the two brothers that the Blessed One had recently attained the Supreme Buddhahood, and directed to the place where the Blessed One was then dwelling. The deity also instructed them to offer to the Buddha the cakes which they had brought with them.
As directed by the deity, the two brothers approached the Buddha and offered the cakes which they had brought They then addressed the Buddha with the words, “We take our refuge, Lord, in the Blessed One and the Dhamma; may the Blessed One receive us as disciples, who from this day forth, while our life lasts, have taken their refuge in Him”. They then asked the Blessed one, “What shall we receive as an object of worship from today, Lord?” The Blessed One rubbed his head with his hand and gave to the two brothers whatever hairs came off and stuck to his hand.

THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF BUDDHISM
by ASHIN JANAKA BHIVAMSA (Aggamahapandita)
Artist: U Ba Kyi | Link to this post