The
Morning Session (4.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon)
The
Buddha would get up at 4.00 a.m. and as soon as
he had had a wash would sit down to meditate for
an hour. From 5.00 to 6.00 a.m. he would look around
the world with his mental eye to see if anybody
needed help. At 6.00 a.m. he would put on his robe
and either go out and help the needy or beg for
food.
When on alms round the Buddha would go from house
to house, eyes fixed to the ground, receiving in
silence any food that was put into his bowl. Sometimes
he would go begging with his disciples, who would
walk behind him in single file. Often people would
invite him to their houses for lunch and he would
give a discourse to them and his followers.
The Afternoon Session (12.00 noon to 6.00 p.m.)
In
the afternoon the monks would usually go to the
Buddha to ask questions and be taught and advised.
The Buddha would then retire to his room and look
around the world with his mental eye to see if anyone
was looking for his help. He would then go and meet
people who were waiting for him. He would teach
to them in such a way that everybody felt that the
Buddha was teaching to each one of them separately,
"giving joy to the wise, promoting the intelligence
of the average people and dispelling the darkness
of the dull-witted".
The First Watch (6.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.)
During
this time the followers would come again to the
Buddha to either listen or ask questions to clarify
their doubts.
The Middle Watch (10.00 p.m. to 2.00 a.m.)
During
this period the devas would seize the opportunity
to go to see the Buddha and learn the truth of life.
The Buddha, on answering their questions, would
complete the middle watch of the night.
The Last Watch ( 2.00 a.m. to 4.00 a.m.)
For
the first hour the Buddha would walk up and down
meditating and freeing himself from the discomfort
of sitting all day. He then would sleep for an hour.
Thus we can see the Buddha was busy the whole day.
In fact he only slept one hour each day during this
45 years of teaching. During the early hours of
the day he saw the whole universe, blessed it with
his boundless love and brought happiness to millions.
