After emerging from another seven days of `samādhi` and spending a further seven days at the Rājāyatana tree experiencing liberation, the Bhagavā was approached by merchants Tapussa and Bhallika, who were guided by a `devatā` (deity) to offer him barley-meal and honey-comb. Pondering how to accept the food, as Tathāgatas (realised ones) do not receive offerings in their hands, the four Great Kings miraculously provided four stone bowls. The Bhagavā accepted and partook of the meal, after which Tapussa and Bhallika took refuge in the Bhagavā and the `Dhamma` (Buddha's teachings), becoming the first lay followers in the world with two utterances.
