THE FIRST CONVERTS

  THE Blessed One tarried in solitude seven times seven days, enjoying

the bliss of emancipation. At that time Tapussa and Bhallika, two

merchants, came traveling on the road near by, and when they saw the

great samana, majestic and full of peace, they approached him

respectfully and offered him rice cakes and honey.

  This was the first food that the Enlightened One ate after he

attained Buddhahood.

  And the Buddha addressed them and pointed out to them the way of

salvation. The two merchants, seeing the holiness of the conqueror

of Mara, bowed down in reverence and said: "We take our refuge,

Lord, in the Blessed One and in the Dharma." Tapussa and Bhallika were

the first that became followers of the Buddha and they were lay

disciples.