Buddhaghosa has given an account[347] of the way in which the Buddha was wont to spend his days when stopping in some such resting-place, and his description is confirmed by the numerous details given in the Pitakas.  He rose before dawn and would often retire and meditate until it was time to set out on the round for alms but not unfrequently he is represented as thinking that it was too early to start and that he might first visit some monk of the neighbourhood.  Then he went round the town or village with his disciples, carrying his almsbowl and accepting everything put into it.  Sometimes he talked to his disciples while walking[348].  Frequently, instead of begging for alms, he accepted an invitation to dine with some pious person who asked the whole band of disciples and made strenuous culinary efforts.  Such invitations were given at the conclusion of a visit paid to the Buddha on the previous day and were accepted by him with silence which signified consent.  On the morning of the next day the host announced in person or through a messenger that the meal was ready and the Buddha taking his mantle and bowl went to the house.  The host waited on the guests with his own hands, putting the food which he had prepared into their bowls.  After the repast the Buddha delivered a discourse or catechized the company.  He did the same with his own disciples when he collected food himself and returned home to eat it.  He took but one meal a day[349], between eleven and twelve, and did not refuse meat when given to him, provided that he did not know the animals had been slaughtered expressly for his food.  When he had given instruction after the meal he usually retired to his chamber or to a quiet spot under trees for repose and meditation.  On one occasion[350] he took his son Rahula with him into a wood at this hour to impart some of the deepest truths to him, but as a rule he gave no further instruction until the late afternoon.

The Pitakas represent all believers as treating the Buddha with the greatest respect but the salutations and titles which they employ hardly exceed those ordinarily used in speaking to eminent persons[351].  Kings were at this time addressed as Deva, whereas the Buddha’s usual title is Bhagava or Bhante, Lord.  A religious solemnity and deliberation prevails in the interviews which he grants but no extravagance of adoration is recorded.  Visitors salute him by bowing with joined hands, sit respectfully on one side while he instructs them and in departing are careful to leave him on their right hand.  He accepts such gifts as food, clothes, gardens and houses but rejects all ceremonial honours.  Thus Prince Bodhi[352] when receiving him carpeted his mansion with white cloths but the Buddha would not walk on them and remained standing at the entrance till they were taken up.