A number of legends surround Kosala and the actions of Shakyamuni there. For instance, both Northern and Southern Buddhism preserve the legend that in the seventh year after his enlightenment he spent the rainy season in the Heaven of the Thirty-three Devas, where he preached for the sake of his mother, Maya, who had been reborn there. The probable explanation for this story is that during the three months of the rainy season of this year Shakyamuni conducted seated meditation in a place far removed from everyone who knew him. The writings of primitive Buddhism tell us that for some weeks after his enlightenment Shakyamuni sat and meditated. It is known that at various times during his life he meditated for periods ranging from two weeks to as much as three months. This does not mean that he did not eat during these times. People served him the requisite food, but they were the only persons with whom he had any contact. None of his disciples or other followers of the faith saw him throughout these periods of meditation. Long stretches of isolation from other human beings no doubt gave rise to the legend of his having gone to the Heaven of the Thirty-three Devas. (Page 142)