Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c21.209

v1.c21.209

**1. Tapassu, Tapussa.**—A merchant of Ukkala. He and his friend, **Bhalluka (Bhalliya)**, while on their way to **Rājagaha**, saw the Buddha at the foot of the **Rājāyatana** tree, in the eighth week after the Enlightenment. Urged by a deity, who had been their relation, they offered the Buddha rice-cakes and honey in a bowl provided by the Four Regent Gods. They became the first lay disciples of the Buddha, and their formula of Refuge contained no reference to the Saṅgha.¹