At one time the Buddha was staying at Sāvatthī in the Jeta Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s Monastery. At that time the monks were afflicted with autumn illness, and they could keep down neither congee nor other food. As a result, they became thin, haggard, and pale, with veins protruding all over their bodies. The Buddha noticed this and asked Venerable Ānanda why they were looking so sickly. Ānanda told him.