#1. Kassapa

Kassapa asks the Buddha why there are now more rules but fewer awakened mendicants. The Buddha replies that it is due to the arising of the counterfeit Dhamma, giving five factors that lead to declineSo I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. Then Venerable Mahākassapa went up to the Buddha, bowed, sat down to one side, and said to him: “What is the cause, sir, what is the reason why there used to be fewer training rules but more enlightened mendicants? [Read More]

Sāriputta asks Kassapa about whether a Realized One survives death.At one time Venerable Mahākassapa and Venerable Sāriputta were staying near Benares, in the deer park at Isipatana. Then in the late afternoon, Venerable Sāriputta came out of retreat, went to Venerable Mahākassapa, and exchanged greetings with him. When the greetings and polite conversation were over, he sat down to one side and said to Mahākassapa: “Reverend Kassapa, does a Realized One exist after death? [Read More]

When several of Ānanda’s students disrobe, Kassapa admonishes him, calling him “boy”. The nun Thullanandā hears of this and criticizes Kassapa, claiming he formerly followed another teacher. But Kassapa refutes this, and gives an account of his going forth and first encounter with the Buddha.At one time Venerable Mahākassapa was staying near Rājagaha, in the Bamboo Grove, the squirrels’ feeding ground. Now at that time Venerable Ānanda was wandering in the Southern Hills together with a large Saṅgha of mendicants. [Read More]

When Kassapa is persuaded by Ānanda to go with him to teach the nuns, the nun Thullatissā compares him unfavorably to Ānanda, prompting Kassapa to issue a warning and make a bold claim of his spiritual mastery. This discourse appears to be set after the Buddha’s passing.So I have heard. At one time Venerable Mahākassapa was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. Then Venerable Ānanda robed up in the morning and, taking his bowl and robe, went to Mahākassapa and said, “Kassapa, come, sir. [Read More]

The Buddha asserts that just as he has full mastery of all the meditation attainments and higher spiritual realizations, so does Kassapa.At Sāvatthī. “Mendicants, whenever I want, quite secluded from sensual pleasures, secluded from unskillful qualities, I enter and remain in the first absorption, which has the rapture and bliss born of seclusion, while placing the mind and keeping it connected. And so does Kassapa. Whenever I want, as the placing of the mind and keeping it connected are stilled, I enter and remain in the second absorption, which has the rapture and bliss born of immersion, with internal clarity and confidence, and unified mind, without placing the mind and keeping it connected. [Read More]

The Buddha invites Kassapa to teach the mendicants, but he is reluctant, saying that the senior mendicants used to set a good example, but now instead of respecting good practice, they respect fame and fortune.Near Rājagaha, in the squirrels’ feeding ground. Then Venerable Mahākassapa went up to the Buddha, bowed, and sat down to one side. The Buddha said to him: “Kassapa, advise the mendicants! Give them a Dhamma talk! Either you or I should advise the mendicants and give them a Dhamma talk. [Read More]

The Buddha invites Kassapa to teach the mendicants, but he is reluctant, saying that the mendicants have become stubborn and their good qualities are declining.Near Rājagaha, in the Bamboo Grove. Then Venerable Mahākassapa went up to the Buddha, bowed, and sat down to one side. The Buddha said to him, “Kassapa, advise the mendicants! Give them a Dhamma talk! Either you or I should advise the mendicants and give them a Dhamma talk. [Read More]

The Buddha invites Kassapa to teach the mendicants, but he is reluctant, since certain students of Anuruddha and Ānanda have been competing to see who can teach better.Near Rājagaha, in the Bamboo Grove. Then Venerable Mahākassapa went up to the Buddha, bowed, and sat down to one side. The Buddha said to him: “Kassapa, advise the mendicants! Give them a Dhamma talk! Either you or I should advise the mendicants and give them a Dhamma talk. [Read More]

The Buddha points out that Kassapa has grown old, and urges him to give up his ascetic life and stay in a comfortable monastery.So I have heard. Near Rājagaha, in the Bamboo Grove. Then Venerable Mahākassapa went up to the Buddha, bowed, and sat down to one side. The Buddha said to him: “You’re old now, Kassapa. Those worn-out hempen rag robes must be a burden for you. So Kassapa, you should wear clothes given by householders, accept invitations for the meal, and stay in my presence. [Read More]

Some mendicants approach families in the hope of receiving fine gifts or respect—but not Kassapa.At Sāvatthī. “What do you think, mendicants? What kind of mendicant is worthy of visiting families? And what kind of mendicant is not worthy of visiting families?” “Our teachings are rooted in the Buddha. …” The Buddha said this: “Whoever visits families with the thought: ‘May they give to me, may they not fail to give. May they give a lot, not a little. [Read More]