[Buddha-l] Non attached & mindful culinary triumphalism?

[L.S. Cousins]

I don't think there is any very clear indication in the earlier texts. 
Probably they simply followed the practice of the day. Later it is very 
clear. Part of the point of stories of those who offered a single flower 
to a past Buddha is that anyone can make such an offering. And with food 
a small amount of rice can always be placed in the bowl. The important 
thing is the intention.

I don't know any evidence of preaching specifically to the poor. But 
they would be part of the audience for preaching intended generally.

One could think of a story such as the cattle herd Nanda who asked for 
ordination (S IV 181). The Buddha insisted on his returning to his 
master and handing over the cattle. He said the cattle would return on 
their own, but the Buddha repeated his insistence. So he did so and 
returned for ordination. Interestingly this followed a sermon ostensibly 
addressed to the monks, but Nanda was seated nearby.

Lance


On 09/07/2011 19:38, Artur Karp wrote:
> Dear Lance,
> would the poorest of the poor offer anything? Is there any evidence of
> Buddhist monks trying to reach them, quite intentionally, with the
> Buddha-vacana?