In terms of narrative, this discourse tells the story of King Ajātasattu, son and successor of King Bimbisara of Magadha, who posed the following question to many leading Indian spiritual teachers: What is the benefit of living a contemplative life?
"[1] Upon a bright uposatha night, King Ajātasattu, monarch of Magadha Kingdom, who was in the mood to hear a Dhamma discourse, asked his ministers if there was any worthy teacher "who might enlighten and bring peace to our mind.
"[2] The ministers in turn suggested that the monarch visited a variety of teachers, all of whom the King rejected by being silent.
How come it happens that there is not a single sound heard at all, not even coughs or sneezes in the huge group of 1,250 Sangha monks?"
To his king's aid, Jivaka answered that the Buddha was sitting on the back of a pillar, surrounded by his disciples.
He exclaimed: "Can my beloved son, Udayi Bhadda, possess such calmness and composure as the Monks show me now?"
The King asks, "Bhante (Teacher), there are a number of skills and talents, such as: elephant-drivers, chariot-drivers, horse riders, archers, palanquin bearers, army commander's adjutants, royal officers, soldiers, warriors with elephant's courage, heroes, fighters, troops in deer-skin uniform, slaves, cooks and chefs, barbers, bathers, bakers, florists, launderers, weavers, crafters, potters, mathematicians, accountants, and many other skills.
They support their life, their family, parents, and friends with their skills in happiness and welfare.