Then Upatissa asked Venerable Assaji: "What is the teaching of the Buddha?" Assaji replied: "I will tell you the meaning of the Buddha's teaching very briefly. The Buddha said that all things arise from causes and also cease as a result of causes. The Buddha also explained these causes." On hearing this Upatissa understood that whatever arises will also pass away, and attained the first stage of enlightenment. Then he thanked Assaji, asked him where he might find the Buddha and then left.