Sútra
Cap. I. relates the circumstances under which the religious assembly was convoked, and from that shows how the discussion arose.
Thus have I heard.1 Upon a certain occasion Buddha was residing in the city (country) of Śrávastí, occupying the garden which Gida,2 the heir-apparent, had bestowed on the compassionate (Sudana).
Here, then, was Buddha, surrounded by all the multitude of the great Bhikshus (religious mendicants, the general title of Buddha’s followers), 1250 in number. Then the world-honoured one, it being now the time of providing food, having put on his robe, and taken his alms-bowl, entered the great city of Śrávastí, for the purpose of begging a supply.
Having gone in order through the midst of the city, begging food in a regular manner, he now returned to his former retreat, where, having eaten the food he had received as alms, and having laid aside his robe and alms-bowl, he washed his feet, and then, arranging his seat, he sat down.