King Seniya Bimbisāra of Magadha heard that Anāthapiṇḍika had invited the Sangha headed by the Buddha for a meal on the following day. He said to Anāthapiṇḍika, “You’ve invited the Sangha headed by the Buddha, yet you’ve just arrived here. I’ll pay for it.” “There’s no need, sir. I have the means.”

The following morning, in that wealthy merchant’s house, Anāthapiṇḍika had various kinds of fine foods prepared. He then had the Buddha informed that the meal was ready. The Buddha robed up, took his bowl and robe, and went to that merchant’s house where he sat down on the prepared seat together with the Sangha of monks. Anāthapiṇḍika then personally served the various kinds of fine foods to the Sangha of monks headed by the Buddha. When the Buddha had finished his meal and had washed his hands and bowl, Anāthapiṇḍika sat down to one side and said, “Sir, please spend the rainy-season residence at Sāvatthī together with the Sangha of monks.” “Buddhas delight in solitude, householder.” “I understand, sir, I understand!” Then, after instructing, inspiring, and gladdening him with a teaching, the Buddha got up from his seat and left.