Invitation to the Buddha : หน้า 56/114

The mother-in-law of Culasubhadha was very anxious to see the Buddha when she was told about him by her daughter-in-law. She even agreed to let Culasubhadha invite the Buddha for alms-food to their house. So, Culasubhadha prepared food and collected other offerings for the Buddha and his disciples. She then went up to the upper part of the house and looking towards the Jetavana monastery, she made offerings of flowers and incense and contemplate the unique qualities and virtues of the Buddha. She then spoke out her wish, "Venerable Sir! May it please you to come with your disciples, to our house tomorrow. I, your devoted lay-disciple, most respectfully invite you. May this invitation of mine be made known to you by this symbol and gesture." Then she took eight fistfuls of jasmin and threw them up into the sky. The flowers floated through the air all the way to the Jetavana monastery and lay hanging from the ceiling of the congregation hall where the Buddha was expounding the Dhamma. (An illustration follows) 54 Millionaire Heirs