After the Buddha attained enlightenment, he had a thought of not to preach the Dharma as the Dharma is not easily understood by those who are overcome by lust and hatred. A certain celestial being by the name of Brahma Sahampati read the thoughts of the Blessed One, approached Him and invited Him to teach the Dharma. The Buddha accepted the invitation.

First, he thought of preaching the Dharma to both of His teachers, Alara Kalama and Uddaka Ramaputta. Unfortunately, both of them had already passed away. Then, the Buddha thought of the five friends, which once accompanied him during his quest to search enlightenment.

Those five friends were the earliest Bhikkhu and they form the holy order, the Sangha. Those five bhikkhus were Kondanna, Bhaddiya, Vappa, Mahanama and Assaji.