“But, Visākhā, what benefit do you see that you ask me for these eight favors?” “Well, it will happen that monks who have completed the rainy-season residence in the various regions will come to Sāvatthī to visit the Buddha. If a monk has died, they’ll ask you about his destination, and you’ll tell them whether he’s reached the fruit of streamentry, the fruit of once-returning, the fruit of non-returning, or perfection. I’ll then ask those monks whether that dead monk had previously visited Sāvatthī.

If they say he had, I may conclude, ‘No doubt that venerable will have enjoyed a rainy-season robe supplied by me. Or he will have enjoyed a meal for newly-arrived monks, a meal for departing monks, a meal for sick monks, a meal for those nursing the sick, medicines, or a regular supply of congee—all given by me.’ When I recall that, I’ll be glad. The gladness will give rise to joy, and the mental joy will make me tranquil. When I’m tranquil, I’ll feel bliss. And when I’m blissful, my mind will be stilled. In this way I’ll develop the spiritual faculties, the spiritual powers, and the factors of awakening. It’s because of this benefit that I ask for these eight favors.”

“Well said, Visākhā. It’s good that you ask me for these eight favors for the sake of this benefit. I grant you these eight favors.” The Buddha then expressed his appreciation to Visākhā with these verses: “Rejoicing in giving food and drink, A virtuous disciple of the Accomplished One, Overcoming stinginess, gives a gift. It leads to heaven, eliminates sadness, <j>and brings bliss. By means of the stainless path, She obtains heaven and long life. Desiring merit, happy and healthy, She rejoices in heaven for a long time.” When the Buddha had expressed his appreciation, he got up from his seat and left.

Soon afterwards the Buddha gave a teaching and addressed the monks: “I allow a rainy-season robe, meals for newly-arrived monastics, meals for departing monastics, meals for the sick, meals for those nursing the sick, medicine for the sick, a regular supply of congee, and bathing robes for the Sangha of nuns.” The section for recitation on Visākhā is finished.

19. The allowance of a sitting mat