He then said to the Buddha, “Wonderful, sir, wonderful! Just as one might set upright what’s overturned, or reveal what’s hidden, or show the way to one who’s lost, or bring a lamp into the darkness so that one with eyes might see what’s there—just so has the Buddha made the Teaching clear in many ways. I go for refuge to the Buddha, the Teaching, and the Sangha of monks. Please accept me as a lay follower who’s gone for refuge for life. And please accept tomorrow’s meal from me together with the Sangha of monks.” The Buddha consented by remaining silent. Knowing that the Buddha had consented, Meṇḍaka got up from his seat, bowed down, circumambulated the Buddha with his right side toward him, and left. The following morning Meṇḍaka had various kinds of fine foods prepared and then had the Buddha informed that the meal was ready. The Buddha robed up, took his bowl and robe, and went to Meṇḍaka’s house where he sat down on the prepared seat together with the Sangha of monks. Then Meṇḍaka’s wife, son, daughter-in-law, and slave approached the Buddha, bowed, and sat down. The Buddha gave them a progressive talk,