At one time the Buddha stayed near Naḷakapāna in the grove of flame-of-the-forest trees. Now, at that time it was the sabbath, and the Buddha was sitting surrounded by the Saṅgha of monks. The Buddha spent much of the night educating, encouraging, firing up, and inspiring the monks with a Dhamma talk. Then he looked around the Saṅgha of monks, who were so very silent. He addressed Venerable Sāriputta,

“Sāriputta, the Saṅgha of monks is rid of dullness and drowsiness. Give them some Dhamma talk as you feel inspired. My back is sore, I’ll stretch it.” “Yes, sir,” Sāriputta replied.

And then the Buddha spread out his outer robe folded in four and laid down in the lion’s posture—on the right side, placing one foot on top of the other—mindful and aware, and focused on the time of getting up. There Sāriputta addressed the monks: “Reverends, monks!” “Reverend,” they replied. Sāriputta said this: