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]

Kassapa approaches families like the moon, with humility, keeping his distance, and not getting involved. So when he teaches, it is with pure intentions.At Sāvatthī. “Mendicants, you should approach families like the moon: withdrawn in body and mind, always the newcomer, and never impudent. Suppose a person were to look down at an old well, a rugged cliff, or an inaccessible riverland. They’d withdraw their body and mind. In the same way, you should approach families like the moon: withdrawn in body and mind, always the newcomer, and never impudent. [Read More]

Sāriputta approaches Kassapa and asks how it is that only someone who is keen and conscientious can realize freedom.So I have heard. 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, it’s said that without being keen and prudent you can’t achieve awakening, extinguishment, and the supreme sanctuary. [Read More]