The Discourse to Prince Bodhi
[2. At the Palace]
Then Prince Bodhi, after the night had passed, having had excellent foodstuffs made ready in his own residence, and after covering the Pink Lotus palace with white cloth up to the last step, addressed the student Sañjikāputta: saying: “Go, dear Sañjikāputta, and approach the Fortunate One, and after approaching announce the time to the Fortunate One, saying: ‘It is time, dear Gotama, the meal is ready.’ ”
“Very well, dear Sir,” said the student Sañjikāputta, and after replying to Prince Bodhi, he approached the Fortunate One, and after approaching he announced the time to the Fortunate One, saying: “It is time, dear Gotama, the meal is ready.”
Then the Fortunate One, after dressing in the morning time, and picking up his bowl and robe, approached Prince Bodhi’s residence. Then at that time Prince Bodhi was standing outside the doorway waiting for the Fortunate One.
Prince Bodhi saw the Fortunate One approaching from afar, and after seeing him, and coming out, worshipping, and putting the Fortunate One in front, he approached the Pink Lotus palace.
Then the Fortunate One stood near the last step on the staircase. Then Prince Bodhi said this to the Fortunate One: “May the Fortunate One ascend the cloth, reverend Sir, may the Happy One ascend the cloth, that for a long time will be for my benefit and happiness.”
When this was said, the Fortunate One remained silent.
Then for a second time Prince Bodhi said this to the Fortunate One: “May the Fortunate One ascend the cloth, reverend Sir, may the Happy One ascend the cloth, that for a long time will be for my benefit and happiness.”
Then for a second time the Fortunate One remained silent.
Then for a third time Prince Bodhi said this to the Fortunate One: “May the Fortunate One ascend the cloth, reverend Sir, may the Happy One ascend the cloth, that for a long time will be for my benefit and happiness.”
Then the Fortunate One looked at venerable Ānanda.
Then venerable Ānanda said this to Prince Bodhi: “Fold up the cloth, Prince, the Fortunate One does not walk on cloth coverings. The Realised One looks to people in the future.”
Then Prince Bodhi, after folding up the cloth, prepared the seats on the Pink Lotus palace.
Then the Fortunate One, having ascended the Pink Lotus palace, sat down on the prepared seat, together with the Community of monks. Then Prince Bodhi served and satisfied with his own hand the Community of monks with the Buddha at its head with excellent food and drinks.
Then Prince Bodhi, when the Fortunate One had eaten and washed his hand and bowl, after taking a low seat, sat down on one side.
While seated on one side Prince Bodhi said this to the Fortunate One: “Reverend Sir, this occurred to me: ‘Happiness is not gained through pleasure, happiness is only gained through pain.’ ”
“To me also, Prince, before the Awakening, while still an unawakened Bodhisatta this thought occurred: ‘Happiness is not gained through pleasure, happiness is only gained through pain.’ ”