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Today, we would like to focus on the Venerated Mahākāśyapa, one of the Buddha’s foremost disciples, renowned for his ascetic practices. From a young age, he yearned for spiritual enlightenment, and after his parents’ passing, he set out to find an enlightened Master. Not long after meeting Lord Buddha, he attained arahatship. After Lord Buddha’s passing from this earthly realm, the Venerated Mahākāśyapa presided over the First Buddhist Council. He is considered the first patriarch in many Mahayana lineages and the third foremost disciple in the Theravada tradition. Supreme Master Ching Hai (vegan) spoke of the devotion and ascetic practice of the Venerated Mahākāśyapa (vegan) in a message on July 14, 2024, which was aired on Supreme Master Television. “You see, Mahākāśyapa was one of the foremost disciples of the Buddha when the World-Honored One was still alive. And He was named ‘Ascetic Number One.’ Now, Mahākāśyapa, He was already an ascetic – so spiritual. He learned some with other Masters before the Buddha. So, how come He still had to find the Buddha in order to realize His holy position as an Arahant in a short time? Why did He have to do that? Because He knows you have to have a Guide; you have to have an Expert; you have to have this Master Who transmits the Way to you with the Master Energy attached to it, in the beginning at least, to help you to go back into the inside realm where you belong. And then slowly, you walk Home from the inside realm.” Today, it is a delight to begin with the Kassapa Sutta, which details how Sakka, the Deva-King, disguises himself as a weaver to give alms to Mahākāśyapa. Next, it is a pleasure to continue with the Jiṇṇasutta, in which Mahākāśyapa explains why, in his old age, he is happy to live in the wilderness, eat alms food, and only own 3 old robes. “[…] [The Venerable Mahākāśyapa answers:] ‘Sir, seeing two benefits, I have long practiced these things. I see happiness for myself in this life. And I have sympathy for future generations, thinking: ‘Hopefully those who come after might follow my example.’ For they may think: ‘It seems that the disciples awakened after the Buddha for a long time lived in the wilderness, ate only almsfood, wore rag robes, and owned just three robes; and they praised these things. They were of few wishes, content, secluded, aloof, and energetic; and they praised these things.’ They’ll practice accordingly, which will be for their lasting welfare and happiness. Seeing these two benefits, I have long practiced these things.’ [The Buddha then replies:] ‘Good, good, Kassapa! You’re acting for the welfare and happiness of the people, out of sympathy for the world, for the benefit, welfare, and happiness of gods and humans. So Kassapa, wear worn-out hempen rag robes, walk for alms, and stay in the wilderness.’”
