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Chapter 5 : Connected Discourses with Kassapa (Kassapasamyutta) {Samyutta-16}[]
144. Contentment (Santuttha sans. Santusht)[]
At Savatthi.
[Buddha:] "Bhikkhus(monks), this Kassapa is content with any kind of robe, and he speaks in praise of contentment with any kind of robe, and he does not engage in a wrong search, in what is improper, for the sake of a robe. 266 If he does not get a robe he is not agitated, and if he gets one he uses it without being tied to it, uninfatuated with it, not blindly absorbed in it, seeing the danger in it, understanding the escape. 267
"Bhikkhus, this Kassapa is content with any kind of almsfood ... with any kind of lodging ... with any kind of medicinal requisites ... and if he gets them he uses them without being tied to them, uninfatuated with them, not blindly absorbed in them, seeing the danger in them, understanding the escape.
"Therefore, bhikkhus, you should train yourselves thus: 'We will be content with any kind of robe, and we will speak in praise of contentment with any kind of robe, and we will not engage in a wrong search, in what is improper, for the sake of a robe. If we do not get a robe we will not be agitated, and if we get one we will use it without being tied to it, uninfatuated with it, not blindly absorbed in it, seeing the danger in it, understanding the escape.
"'We will be content with any kind of almsfood ... with any kind of lodging . . . with any kind of medicinal requisites . . . and if we get them we will use them without being tied to them, uninfatuated with them, not blindly absorbed in them, seeing the danger in them, understanding the escape.' Thus should you train yourselves.
"Bhikkhus, I will instruct you by the example of Kassapa or one who is similar to Kassapa. 268 Being instructed, you should practise accordingly." 269
145. Unafraid of Wrongdoing (Anottappi)[]
Thus have I heard(from Lord Buddha, says Ananda). On one occasion the Venerable Mahakassapa and the Venerable Sariputta were dwelling at Baranasi in the Deer-Park(Migdaye) at Isipatana. Then, in the evening, the Venerable Sariputta emerged from seclusion and approached the Venerable Mahakassapa. He exchanged greetings with the Venerable Mahakassapa and, when they had concluded their greetings and cordial talk, he sat down to one side and said to him:
"Friend, it is said that one who is not ardent and who is unafraid of wrongdoing is incapable of enlightenment, incapable of Nibbana, incapable of achieving the unsurpassed security from bondage; but one who is ardent and afraid of wrongdoing is capable of enlightenment, capable of Nibbana, capable of achieving the unsurpassed security from bondage. 270 In what way is this so, friend?"
"Here, friend, a bhikkhu(monk) does not arouse ardour by thinking:
'If unarisen evil harmful states arise in me, this may lead to my harm'; nor by thinking: 'If evil harmful states that have arisen in me are not abandoned, this may lead to my harm'; nor by thinking: 'If unarisen beneficial(kusala sans. kushal) states do not arise in me, this may lead to my harm'; nor by thinking: 'If beneficial(kusala) states that have arisen in me cease, this may lead to my harm.' Thus he is not ardent. 271
"And how, friend, is he unafraid of wrongdoing? Here, friend, a bhikkhu does not become afraid at the thought: 'If unarisen evil harmful states arise in me, this may lead to my harm' ... nor at the thought: 'If beneficial(kusala) states that have arisen in me cease, this may lead to my harm.' Thus he is unafraid of wrongdoing.
"It is in this way, friend, that one who is not ardent and who is unafraid of wrongdoing is incapable of enlightenment, incapable of Nibbana, incapable of achieving the unsurpassed security from bondage.
"And how, friend, is one ardent? Here, friend, a bhikkhu arouses ardour by thinking: 'If unarisen evil harmful states arise in me, this may lead to my harm' . . . and by thinking: 'If beneficial(kusala) states that have arisen in me cease, this may lead to my harm.' Thus he is ardent.
"And how, friend, is he afraid of wrongdoing? Here, friend, a bhikkhu becomes afraid at the thought: 'If unarisen evil harmful states arise in me, this may lead to my harm'; and at the thought: 'If beneficial(kusala) states that have arisen in me cease, this may lead to my harm.' Thus he is afraid of wrongdoing.
"It is in this way, friend, that one who is ardent and afraid of wrongdoing is capable of enlightenment, capable of Nibbana, capable of achieving the unsurpassed security from bondage."
146. Like the Moon (Candupama sans. Chandra-upama)[]
At Savatthi.
[Buddha:] "Bhikkhus(monks), you should approach families like the moon - drawing back the body and mind, always acting like newcomers, without impudence towards families. 272 Just as a man looking down an old well, a precipice, or a steep riverbank would draw back the body and mind, so too, bhikkhus, should you approach families.
"Bhikkhus, Kassapa approaches families like the moon - drawing back the body and mind, always acting like a newcomer, without impudence towards families. What do you think, bhikkhus, what kind of bhikkhu(monk) is worthy to approach families?"
"Venerable sir, our teachings are rooted in the Lord (Buddha), guided by the Lord (Buddha), take recourse in the Lord (Buddha). It would be good if the Lord (Buddha) would clear up the meaning of this statement. Having heard it from him, the bhikkhus will remember it."
Then the Lord (Buddha) waved his hand in space 273 and said:
"Bhikkhus, just as this hand does not get caught in space, is not held fast by it, is not bound by it, so when a bhikkhu approaches families his mind does not get caught, held fast, and bound in families, thinking: 'May those desiring gains acquire gains, may those desiring divine-merits(punya) make divine-merits(punya)!' 274 He is as elated and happy over the gains of others as he is over his own gains. Such a bhikkhu is worthy to approach families.
"Bhikkhus, when Kassapa approaches families his mind does not get caught, held fast, or bound in families, thinking:
'May those desiring gains acquire gains, may those desiring divine-merits(punya) make divine-merits(punya)!' He is as elated and happy over the gains of others as he is over his own gains.
"What do you think, bhikkhus, how is a bhikkhu's teaching of the dhamma(path,law) impure, and how is his teaching of the Dhamma pure?"
"Venerable sir, our teachings are rooted in the Lord (Buddha)...."
"Then listen and be mindful(manasikaro), bhikkhus, I will speak."
"Yes, venerable sir," those bhikkhus replied. The Lord (Buddha) said this:
"A bhikkhu teaches the Dhamma to others with the thought:
'Oh, may they listen to the Dhamma from me! Having listened, may they gain confidence in the Dhamma! Being confident, may they show their confidence to me!' 275 Such a bhikkhu's teaching of the Dhamma is impure.
"But a bhikkhu teaches the Dhamma to others with the thought: 'The Dhamma is well expounded by the Lord (Buddha), directly visible, immediate, inviting one to come and see, applicable cable, to be personally experienced by the wise. Oh, may they listen to the Dhamma from me! Having listened, may they understand the Dhamma! Having understood, may they practise accordingly!' Thus he teaches the Dhamma to others because of the intrinsic excellence of the Dhamma; he teaches the Dhamma to others from compassion and sympathy, out of tender concern. 276 Such a bhikkhu's teaching of the Dhamma is pure.
"Bhikkhus, Kassapa teaches the Dhamma to others with the thought: 'The dhamma(path,law) is well expounded by the Lord (Buddha).... Oh, may they listen to the Dhamma from me! Having listened, may they understand the Dhamma! Having understood, may they practise accordingly!' He teaches the Dhamma to others because of the intrinsic excellence of the Dhamma; he teaches the Dhamma to others from compassion and sympathy, out of tender concern.
"Bhikkhus, I will instruct you by the example of Kassapa or one who is similar to Kassapa. Being instructed, you should practise accordingly."
147. A Visitor of Families (Kulupaka)[]
At Savatthi.
[Buddha:] "Bhikkhus(monks), what do you think, what kind of bhikkhu(monk) is worthy to be a visitor of families, 277 and what kind of bhikkhu is not worthy to be a visitor of families?"
"Venerable sir, our teachings are rooted in the Lord (Buddha)...."
The Lord (Buddha) said this: "Bhikkhus, a bhikkhu might approach families with the thought: 'May they give donation to me, not hold back! May they donate me much, not a little! May they donate to me fine things, not shabby things! May they donate me promptly, not slowly! May they donate me considerately, not casually!' When a bhikkhu approaches families with such a thought, if they do not give donation, he thereby becomes hurt; on that account he experiences pain and displeasure. If they donate little rather than much ... If they donate shabby things rather than fine things ... If they give donation slowly rather than promptly ... If they give donation casually rather than considerately, he thereby becomes hurt; on that account he experiences pain and displeasure. Such a bhikkhu is not worthy to be a visitor of families.
"Bhikkhus, a bhikkhu might approach families with the thought:
'When among others' families, how could I possibly think: "May they give donation to me, not hold back! . . . May they give donation to me respectfully, not casually!"?' When a bhikkhu approaches families with such a thought, if they do not give donation ... if they give donation casually rather than considerately, he does not thereby become hurt; he does not on that account experience pain and displeasure. Such a bhikkhu is worthy to be a visitor of families.
"Bhikkhus, Kassapa approaches families with such a thought. . . . Thus if they do not give donation ... if they give donation casually rather than considerately, he does not thereby become hurt; he does not on that account experience pain and displeasure.
"Bhikkhus, I will instruct you by the example of Kassapa or one who is similar to Kassapa. Being instructed, you should practise accordingly."
148. Old (Jinna sans. Jeerna)[]
Thus have I heard(from Lord Buddha, says Ananda). On one occasion the Lord (Buddha) was dwelling at Rajagaha in the Bamboo-Grove(Veluvan), the Squirrel-Sanctuary(Kalandak-Nivap). Then the Venerable Mahakassapa approached the Lord (Buddha), paid homage to him, and sat down to one side. The Lord (Buddha) then said to him: "You are old now, Kassapa, and those worn-out hempen rag-robes must be burdensome for you. Therefore you should wear robes offered by householders, Kassapa, accept meals given on invitation, and dwell close to me." 278
"For a long time, venerable sir, I have been a forest dweller and have spoken in praise of forest dwelling; I have been an almsfood eater and have spoken in praise of eating almsfood; I have been a rag-robe wearer and have spoken in praise of wearing ragrobes; I have been a triple-robe user and have spoken in praise of using the triple robe; I have been of few wishes and have spoken in praise of fewness of wishes; I have been content and have spoken in praise of contentment; I have been secluded and have spoken in praise of solitude; I have been aloof from society and have spoken in praise of aloofness from society; I have been energetic and have spoken in praise of arousing energetic-strength(viriya)." 279
"Considering what benefit, Kassapa, have you long been a forest dweller . . (as above). . and spoken in praise of arousing energetic-strength?"
"Considering two benefits, venerable sir. For myself I see a pleasant dwelling in this very life, and I have compassion for later generations, thinking, 'May those of later generations follow my example!' 280 For when they hear, 'The enlightened disciples of the Buddha were for a long time forest dwellers and spoke in praise of forest dwelling . . . were energetic and spoke in praise of arousing energetic-strength,' then they will practise accordingly, and that will lead to their welfare and happiness(sukh) for a long time. Considering these two benefits, venerable sir, I have long been a forest dweller . . . and have spoken in praise of arousing energetic-strength(viriya)."
"Good, good, Kassapa! You are practising for the welfare and happiness of the multitude, out of compassion for the world, for the good, welfare, and happiness of devas(angels) and humans. Therefore, Kassapa, wear worn-out hempen rag-robes, walk for alms, and dwell in the forest."
149. Instruction (1) (Ovada1)[]
At Rajagaha in the Bamboo-Grove(Veluvan). Then the Venerable Mahakassapa approached the Lord (Buddha), paid homage to him, and sat down to one side. The Lord (Buddha) then said to him; "Instruct the bhikkhus, Kassapa, give them a dhamma(path,law) talk. Either I should instruct the bhikkhus, Kassapa, or you should. Either ! should give them a Dhamma talk or you should." 281
"Venerable sir, the bhikkhus are difficult to admonish now and they have qualities which make them difficult to admonish. 28 They are impatient and do not accept instruction respectfully Here, venerable sir, I saw a bhikkhu(monk) named Bhanda, a pupil of Ananda, and a bhikkhu named Abhinjika, a pupil of Anuruddha, competing with each other in regard to their learning, saying:
'Come, bhikkhu, who can speak more? Who can speak better? Who can speak longer?'"
Then the Lord (Buddha) addressed a certain bhikkhu thus:
"Come, bhikkhu, tell the bhikkhu Bhanda and the bhikkhu Abhinjika in my name that the Teacher calls them."
"Yes, venerable sir," that bhikkhu replied, and he went to those bhikkhus and told them: "The Teacher calls the venerable ones."
"Yes, friend," those bhikkhus replied, and they approached the Lord (Buddha), paid homage to him, and sat down to one side. The Lord (Buddha) then said to them: "Is it true, bhikkhus, that you have been competing with each other in regard to your learning, as to who can speak more, who can speak better, who can speak longer?"
"Yes, venerable sir."
"Have you ever known me to teach the dhamma(path,law) thus: 'Come, bhikkhus, compete with each other in regard to your learning, and see who can speak more, who can speak better, who can speak longer'?"
"No, venerable sir."
"Then if you have never known me to teach the Dhamma thus, what do you senseless men know and see that, having gone-forth(initiated,pabajjit) in such a well-expounded Dhamma and Discipline, you compete with each other in regard to your learning, as to who can speak more, who can speak better, who can speak longer?"
Then those bhikkhus prostrated themselves with their heads at the Lord (Buddha)'s feet and said: "Venerable sir, we have committed a transgression - so childish(unwise), so confused, so inept were we in that, having gone-forth(initiated,pabajjit) in such a well-expounded Dhamma and Discipline, we competed with each other in regard to our learning, as to who can speak more, who can speak better, who can speak longer. Venerable sir, may the Lord (Buddha) pardon us for our transgression seen as a transgression for the sake of future restraint."
"Surely, bhikkhus, you have committed a transgression - so childish(unwise), so confused, so inept were you - in that, having gone-forth(initiated,pabajjit) in such a well-expounded Dhamma and Discipline, you competed with each other in regard to your learning.... But since you see your transgression as a transgression and make amends for it in accordance with the Dhamma, we pardon you for it. For it is growth in the Noble One's Discipline when one sees one's transgression as a transgression, makes amends for it in accordance with the Dhamma, and undertakes future restraint."
150.Instruction (2) (Ovada2)[]
At Rajagaha in the Bamboo-Grove(Veluvan). Then the Venerable Mahakassapa approached the Lord (Buddha), paid homage to him, and sat down to one side. The Lord (Buddha) then said to him: "Instruct the bhikkhus, Kassapa, give them a dhamma(path,law) talk. Either I should instruct the bhikkhus, Kassapa, or you should. Either I should give them a Dhamma talk or you should."
"Venerable sir, the bhikkhus are difficult to admonish now, and they have qualities which make them difficult to admonish. They are impatient and do not accept instruction respectfully. Venerable sir, 283 for one who has no faith in regard to beneficial(kusala sans. kushal) states, no sense of shame, no fear of wrongdoing, no energetic-strength(viriya), and no illuminated-insight(panna), whether day or night comes only loss is to be expected in regard to beneficial(kusala) states, not growth. Just as, during the dark fortnight, whether day or night comes the moon declines in colour, circularity, and luminosity, in diameter and circumference, so too, venerable sir, for one who has no faith in beneficial(kusala) states, no sense of shame, no fear of wrongdoing, no energetic-strength, and no illuminated-insight(panna), whether day or night comes only loss is to be expected in regard to beneficial(kusala) states, not growth.
"A person without faith, venerable sir: this is a case for loss. A person without a sense of shame ... who is unafraid of wrongdoing ... who is lazy ... unwise ... angry ... malicious: this is a case for loss. When there are no bhikkhus who are instructers, this is a case for loss.
"Venerable sir, for one who has faith in regard to beneficial(kusala) states, a sense of shame, fear of wrongdoing, energetic-strength, and illuminated-insight(panna), whether day or night comes only growth is to be expected in regard to beneficial(kusala) states, not loss. Just as, during the bright fortnight, whether day or night comes the moon grows in colour, circularity, and luminosity, in diameter and circumference, so too, venerable sir, for one who has faith in beneficial(kusala) states, a sense of shame, fear of wrongdoing, energetic-strength, and illuminated-insight(panna). whether day or night comes only growth is to be expected in regard to beneficial(kusala) states, not loss.
"A person with faith, venerable sir: this is not case of loss. A person with a sense of shame ... who is afraid of wrongdoing ... energetic ... wise ... without anger ... without malice: this is not a case of loss. When there are bhikkhus who are instructers: this one will have no loss."
"Good, good, Kassapa!"
(The Buddha then repeats the entire statement of the Venerable Mahakassapa.)
151. Instruction (3) (Ovada3)[]
At Rajagaha in the Bamboo-Grove(Veluvan). Then the Venerable Mahakassapa approached the Lord (Buddha), paid homage to him, and sat down to one side. The Lord (Buddha) then said to him: "Instruct the bhikkhus, Kassapa, give them a dhamma(path,law) talk. Either I should instruct the bhikkhus, Kassapa, or you should. Either I should give them a Dhamma talk or you should."
"Venerable sir, the bhikkhus are difficult to admonish now, and they have qualities which make them difficult to admonish. They are impatient and do not accept instruction respectfully."
"Just so, Kassapa, in the past the elder bhikkhus were forest dwellers and spoke in praise of forest dwelling; they were almsfood eaters and spoke in praise of eating almsfood; they were rag-robe wearers and spoke in praise of wearing rag-robes; they were triple-robe users and spoke in praise of using the triple robe; they were of few wishes and spoke in praise of fewness of wishes; they were content and spoke in praise of contentment; they were secluded and spoke in praise of solitude; they were aloof from society and spoke in praise of aloofness from society; they were energetic and spoke in praise of arousing energetic-strength(viriya).
"Then, when a bhikkhu(monk) was a forest dweller and spoke in praise of forest dwelling . . . . . when he was energetic and spoke in praise of arousing energetic-strength, the elder bhikkhus would invite him to a seat, saying: 'Come, bhikkhu. What is this bhikkhu's name? This is an excellent bhikkhu. This bhikkhu is keen on training. Come, bhikkhu, here's a seat, sit down.' Then it would occur to the newly ordained bhikkhus: 'It seems that when a bhikkhu is a forest dweller and speaks in praise of forest dwelling . . . when he is energetic and speaks in praise of arousing energetic-strength, the elder bhikkhus invite him to a seat... They would practise accordingly, and that would lead to their welfare and happiness(sukh) for a long time.
"But now, Kassapa, the elder bhikkhus are no longer forest dwellers and do not speak in praise of forest dwelling ..... they are no longer energetic and do not speak in praise of arousing energetic-strength(viriya). Now it is the bhikkhu who is well known and famous, one who gains robes, almsfood, lodgings, and medicinal requisites, that the elder bhikkhus invite to a seat, saying: 'Come, bhikkhu. What is this bhikkhu's name? This is an excellent bhikkhu. This bhikkhu is keen on the company of his brothers in the holy celibate life(brahmacariya). Come, bhikkhu, here's a seat, sit down.' Then it occurs to the newly ordained bhikkhus: 'It seems that when a bhikkhu is well known and famous, one who gains robes, almsfood, lodgings, and medicinal requisites, the elder bhikkhus invite him to a seat....' They practise accordingly, and that leads to their harm and suffering for a long time.
"If, Kassapa, one speaking rightly could say: 'Those leading the holy celibate life(brahmacariya) have been ruined by the ruination of those who lead the holy celibate life(brahmacariya); those leading the holy celibate life(brahmacariya) have been vanquished by the vanquishing of those who lead the holy celibate life(brahmacariya),' 284 it is just thus that one could rightly say this."
152. Jhanas(Self Absorptive Trance) and divine-Powers'-knowledge (Jhanabhinna sans. Dhyan-abhi-gyan)[]
( IMPORTANT : Nine Jhana [Dhyansamadhi] states & Six divine-knowledges(abhinna)\Magical-powers)
(1) First Jhana (Sans. Dhyan samadhi 1)
At Savatthi.
[Buddha:] "Bhikkhus(monks), to whatever extent I wish, secluded from sensual pleasures, secluded from harmful states, I enter and dwell in the first jhana, which is accompanied by thought and examination, with bliss(piti/preeti) and happiness(sukh) born of seclusion. Kassapa too, to whatever extent he wishes, secluded from sensual pleasures, secluded from harmful states, enters and dwells in the first jhana.
(2) Second Jhana (Sans. Dhyan samadhi 2)
"Bhikkhus, to whatever extent I wish, with the subsiding of thought and examination, I enter and dwell in the second jhana, which has internal confidence and singularity-of-mind(ekodibhavam), is without thought and examination, and has bliss and happiness born of samadhi(trance)state. Kassapa too, to whatever extent he wishes, with the subsiding of thought and examination, enters and dwells in the second jhana.
(3) Third Jhana (Sans. Dhyan samadhi 3)
"Bhikkhus, to whatever extent I wish, with the fading away as well of bliss(piti/preeti), I dwell equanimous, meditating(satima) and completely comprehending (sampajano), I experience happiness with the body; I enter and dwell in the third jhana of which the noble ones declare: 'He is equanimous, meditative, one who dwells happily.' Kassapa too, to whatever extent he wishes, enters and dwells in the third jhana.
(4) Fourth Jhana (Sans. Dhyan samadhi 4)
"Bhikkhus, to whatever extent I wish, with the abandoning of happiness and sorrow, and with the previous passing away of joy and displeasure, I enter and dwell in the fourth jhana, which is neither painful nor pleasant and includes the purification of meditation(sati) by equanimity(upekkha). Kassapa too, to whatever extent he wishes, enters and dwells in the fourth jhana.
(5) Fifth Jhana (Sans. Dhyan samadhi 5)
"Bhikkhus, to whatever extent I wish, with the complete transcendence of perception(sanna sans. sangya) of the form, with the passing away of perception of sensory impingement(patigha), with un-engrossed to diversity of perceptions, becoming aware that 'space is infinite,' I enter and dwell in the faculty of the infinity of space. Kassapa too, to whatever extent he wishes, enters and dwells in the faculty of the infinity of space.
(6) Sixth Jhana (Sans. Dhyan samadhi 6)
"Bhikkhus, to whatever extent I wish, by completely transcending the faculty of the infinity of space, aware that 'consciousness(vinnana sans. vigyan) is infinite,' I enter and dwell in the faculty of the infinity of consciousness. Kassapa too, to whatever extent he wishes, enters and dwells in the faculty of the infinity of consciousness.
(7) Seventh Jhana (Sans. Dhyan samadhi 7)
"Bhikkhus, to whatever extent I wish, by completely transscending the faculty of the infinity of consciousness, aware that 'there is nothing,' I enter and dwell in the faculty of nothingness. Kassapa too, to whatever extent he wishes, enters and dwells in the faculty of nothingness.
(8) Eighth Jhana (Sans. Dhyan samadhi 8)
"Bhikkhus, to whatever extent I wish, by completely transcending the faculty of nothingness, I enter and dwell in the faculty of neither-perception-nor-nonperception. Kassapa too, to whatever extent he wishes, enters and dwells in the faculty of neither-perception-nor-nonperception.
(9) Ninth Jhana (Sans. Dhyan samadhi 9)
"Bhikkhus, to whatever extent I wish, by completely transcending the faculty of neither-perception-nor-nonperception, I enter and dwell in the cessation(nirodha) of perception(sanna sans. sangya) and sensation(vedana). Kassapa too, to whatever extent he wishes, enters and dwells in the cessation of perception and sensation(vedana).
SIX DIVINE KNOWLEDGES(ABHINNAS)\MAGICAL-POWERS
1.Divine-knowledge of Magic(Iddhi sans Riddhi)
"Bhikkhus, to whatever extent I wish, I wield the various kinds of spiritual-power(iddhi\riddhi): having been one, I become many; having been many, I become one; I appear and vanish; I go unhindered through a wall, through a rampart, through a mountain as though through space; I dive in and out of the earth as though it were water; I walk on water without sinking as though it were earth; seated cross-legged, I travel in space like a bird; with my hand I touch and stroke the moon and sun so powerful and mighty; I exercise mastery with the body as far as the brahma(arch-angel) world. Kassapa too, to whatever extent he wishes, wields the various kinds of spiritual-power(iddhi\riddhi).
2.Divine Hearing
"Bhikkhus, to whatever extent I wish, with the divine ear element(dhatu), which is purified and surpasses the human, I hear both kinds of sounds, the divine and human, those that are far as well as near. Kassapa too, to whatever extent he wishes, with the divine ear element, which is purified and surpasses the human, hears both kinds of sounds.
3.Knowing Other's Minds
"Bhikkhus, to whatever extent I wish, I understand the minds of other beings and persons, having encompassed them with my own mind. I understand a mind with lust(raag) as a mind with lust(raag); a mind without lust(raag) as a mind without lust(raag); a mind with hatred(dosa\dvesh) as a mind with hatred(dosa\dvesh); a mind without hatred(dosa\dvesh) as a mind without hatred(dosa\dvesh); a mind with delusion(moha) as a mind with delusion(moha); a mind without delusion(moha) as a mind without delusion(moha); a contracted mind as contracted and a distracted mind as distracted; an exalted mind as exalted and an unexalted mind as unexalted; a surpassable mind as surpassable and an unsurpassable mind as unsurpassable; a samadhi(trance)state mind as in-samadhi(trance)state and an not-in-samadhi(trance)state mind as not-in-samadhi(trance)state; a liberated(vimutta sans. vimukt) mind as liberated and an unliberated mind as unliberated. Kassapa too, to whatever ever extent he wishes, understands the minds of other beings and persons, having encompassed them with his own mind.
4.Knowing Past Lives
"Bhikkhus, to whatever extent I wish, I recollect my manifold past abodes, that is, one past-birth, two past-births, three past-births, four past-births, five past-births, ten past-births, twenty past-births, thirty past-births, forty past-births, fifty past-births, a hundred past-births, a thousand past-births, a hundred thousand past-births, many aeons(kappa\kalpa) of world-contraction, many aeons of world-expansion, many aeons of world-contraction and expansion thus: There I was so named, of such a clan, with such an appearance, such was my food, such my experience of happiness and sorrow, such my life span; passing away from there, I was reborn elsewhere, and there too I was so named, of such a clan, with such an appearance, such was my food, such my experience of happiness and sorrow, such my life span; passing away from there, I was reborn here.' Thus I recollect my manifold past abodes with their modes and details. Kassapa too, to whatever extent he wishes, recollects his manifold past abodes with their modes and details.
5.Divine Eye
"Bhikkhus, to whatever extent I wish, with the divine eye, which is purified and surpasses the human, I see beings passing away and being reborn, inferior and superior, beautiful and ugly, fortunate and unfortunate, and I understand how beings go on according to their kamma(karma) thus: 'These beings who engaged in misconduct of body, speech, and mind, who reviled the noble ones, held wrong view, and undertook actions based on wrong view, with the breakup of the body, after death, have been reborn in a state of misery, in a bad destination, in the nether world, in hell; but these beings who engaged in good conduct of body, speech, and mind, who did not revile the noble ones, who held right view, and undertook action based on right view, with the breakup of the body, after death, have been reborn in a good destination(sugati), in a heavenly world.' Thus with the divine eye, which is purified and surpasses the human, I see beings passing away and being reborn, inferior and superior, beautiful and ugly, fortunate and unfortunate, and I understand how beings go on according to their kamma. Kassapa too, to whatever extent he wishes, with the divine eye, which is purified and surpasses the human, sees(in meditation,passato) beings passing away and being reborn, inferior and superior, beautiful and ugly, fortunate and unfortunate, and he understands how beings go on according to their kamma.
6.Knowing Liberation(Vimutti sans. Vimukti)
"Bhikkhus, by the destruction(khaya\kshaya) of the defilements, in this very life I enter and dwell in the defilement-free liberation(vimutti sans. vimukti) of mind, liberation by illuminated-insight(panna), realizing it for myself with divine-knowledge(abhinna) 285 Kassapa too, by the destruction of the defilements, in this very life enters and dwells in the defilement-free liberation of mind, liberation by illuminated-insight(panna), realizing it for himself with divine-knowledge."
153. The Bhikkhunis' Quarters (Upassaya)[]
Thus have I heard(from Lord Buddha, says Ananda). On one occasion the Venerable Mahakassapa was dwelling at Savatthi in Jeta's-Grove(Jetvana), Anathapindika's Park.
Then, in the morning, the Venerable Ananda dressed and, taking bowl and robe, he approached the Venerable Mahakassapa and said: "Come, Venerable Kassapa, let us go to the bhikkhunis' quarters." 286
"You go, friend Ananda, you're the busy one with many duties."
A second time the Venerable Ananda said to the Venerable Mahakassapa: "Come, Venerable Kassapa, let us go to the bhikkhunis' quarters."
"You go, friend Ananda, you're the busy one with many duties."
A third time the Venerable Ananda said to the Venerable Mahakassapa: "Come, Venerable Kassapa, let us go to the bhikkhunis' quarters."
Then, in the morning, the Venerable Mahakassapa dressed and, taking bowl and robe, went to the bhikkhunis' quarters with the Venerable Ananda as his companion. When he arrived he sat down on the appointed seat. Then a number of bhikkhunis approached the Venerable Mahakassapa, paid homage to him, and sat down to one side. As they were sitting there, the Venerable Mahakassapa instructed, inspired, and gladdened those bhikkhunis with a Dhamma talk, after which he rose from his seat and departed.
Then the bhikkhuni Thullatissa, being displeased, expressed her displeasure thus: "How can Master Mahakassapa think of speaking on the dhamma(path,law) in the presence of Master Ananda, the Videhan sage? 288 For Master Mahakassapa to think of speaking on the Dhamma in the presence of Master Ananda, the Videhan sage - this is just as if a needle-peddler would think he could sell a needle to a needle-maker!"
The Venerable Mahakassapa overheard the bhikkhuni Thullatisa making this statement and said to the Venerable Ananda:
"How is it, friend Ananda, am I the needle-peddler and you the needle-maker, or am I the needle-maker and you the needle-peddler?"
"Be patient. Venerable Kassapa, women are childish(unwise)." 289
"Hold it, friend Ananda! Don't give the Sangha(fraternity) occasion to investigate you further. 290 What do you think, friend Ananda, was it you that the Lord (Buddha) brought forward in the presence of the bhikkhu(monk) Sangha, saying: 'Bhikkhus, to whatever extent I wish, secluded from sensual pleasures, secluded from harmful states, I enter and dwell in the first jhana, which is accompanied by thought and examination, with bliss(piti/preeti) and happiness(sukh) born of seclusion. Ananda too, to whatever extent he wishes, secluded from sensual pleasures, secluded from harmful states, enters and dwells in the first jhana'?"
"No, venerable sir."
"I was the one, friend, that the Lord (Buddha) brought forward in the presence of the Bhikkhu Sangha, saying: 'Bhikkhus, to whatever extent I wish, ... I enter and dwell in the first jhana.... Kassapa too, to whatever extent he wishes, enters and dwells in the first jhana.'
(The same exchange is repeated for the remaining meditative attainments and the six divine-knowledges(abhinna)\magical-powers, all as in the preceding sutta[2.152].)
"I was the one, friend, that the Lord (Buddha) brought forward in the presence of the Bhikkhu Sangha, saying: 'Bhikkhus, by the destruction(khaya\kshaya) of the defilements, in this very life I enter and dwell in the defilement-free liberation(vimutti sans. vimukti) of mind, liberation by illuminated-insight(panna), realizing it for myself with divine-knowledge(abhinna). Kassapa too, by the destruction of the defilements, in this very life enters and dwells in the defilement-free liberation of mind, liberation by illuminated-insight(panna), realizing it for himself with divine-knowledge.'
"Friend, one might just as well think that a bull elephant seven or seven and a half cubits high could be concealed by a palm leaf as think that my six divine-knowledges(abhinna) could be concealed." 291
But the bhikkhuni Thullatissa fell away from the holy celibate life(brahmacariya). 292
154. The Robe (Civara)[]
On one occasion the Venerable Mahakassapa was dwelling in Rajagaha in the Bamboo-Grove(Veluvan), the Squirrel-Sanctuary(Kalandak-Nivap). Now on that occasion the Venerable Ananda was wandering on tour in Dakkhinagiri together with a large Sangha(fraternity) of bhikkhus. 293 Now on that occasion thirty bhikkhus - pupils of the Venerable Ananda - most of them youngsters, had given up the training and had returned to the lower life.
When the Venerable Ananda had wandered on tour in Dakkhinagiri as long as he wanted, he came back to Rajagaha, to the Bamboo-Grove(Veluvan), the Squirrel-Sanctuary(Kalandak-Nivap). He approached the Venerable Mahakassapa, paid homage to him, and sat down to one side, and the Venerable Mahakassapa said to him: "Friend Ananda, for how many reasons did the Lord (Buddha) lay down the rule that bhikkhus should not take meals among families in groups of more than three?" 294
"The Lord (Buddha) laid down this rule for three reasons, Venerable Kassapa: for restraining ill-behaved persons and for the comfort of well-behaved bhikkhus, [with the intention,] 'May those of evil wishes, by forming a faction, not create a schism in the Sangha(fraternity)!'; and out of sympathy towards families. 295 It is for these three reasons. Venerable Kassapa, that the Lord (Buddha) laid down this rule."
"Then why, friend Ananda, are you wandering about with these young bhikkhus who are unguarded in their sense faculties, immoderate in eating, and not devoted to wakefulness? One would think you were wandering about trampling on crops; one would think you were wandering about destroying families. Your retinue is breaking apart, friend Ananda, your young followers are slipping away. But still this youngster does not know his measure!"
"Grey hairs are growing on my head. Venerable Kassapa. Can't we escape being called a youngster by the Venerable Mahakassapa?" 296 [219]
"Friend Ananda, it is just because you wander around with these young bhikkhus who are unguarded in their sense faculties ... But still this youngster does not know his measure!"
The bhikkhuni Thullananda heard: 297 "Master Mahakassapa has disparaged Master Ananda, the Videhan sage, by calling him a youngster." Then, being displeased at this, she expressed her displeasure thus: "How can Master Mahakassapa, who was formerly a member of another sect, 298 think to disparage Master Ananda, the Videhan sage, by calling him a youngster?"
The Venerable Mahakassapa overheard the bhikkhuni Thullananda making this statement and said to the Venerable Ananda:
"Surely, friend Ananda, the bhikkhuni Thullananda made that statement rashly, without consideration. For since I shaved off my hair and beard, put on saffron robes, and went forth from the homely life to hermit life, I do not recall ever having acknowledged any other teacher except the Lord (Buddha), the Arahant, the Perfectly Enlightened One.
"In the past, friend, when I was still a householder, it occurred to me: 'Household life is confinement, a path of dust, going-forth(initiation,pabajja) is like the open air. It is not easy for one living at home to lead the perfectly complete, perfectly purified holy celibate life(brahmacariya), which is like polished conch. Let me then shave off my hair and beard, put on saffron robes, and go forth from the household life into hermit life.' Some time later I had an outer robe made from patches of cloth; 299 then, acknowledging those who were arahants in the world [as models], I shaved off my hair and beard, put on saffron robes, and went forth from the household life into hermit life.
"When I had thus gone-forth(initiated,pabajjit), I was travelling along a road when I saw the Lord (Buddha) sitting by the Bahuputta Shrine between Rajagaha and Nalanda 300 Having seen him, I thought:
'If I should ever see the Teacher, it is the Lord (Buddha) himself that I would see. If I should ever see the Fortunate One(Sugato), it is the Lord (Buddha) himself that I would see. If I should ever see the Perfectly Enlightened One, it is the Lord (Buddha) himself that I would see.' Then I prostrated myself right there at the Lord (Buddha)' s feet and said to him: 'Venerable sir, the Lord (Buddha) is my teacher, I am his disciple. Venerable sir, the Lord (Buddha) is my teacher, I am his disciple.' 301
"When I had said this, the Lord (Buddha) said to me: 'Kassapa, if one who does not know and see should say to a disciple so single-minded as yourself: "I know, I see," his head would split. But knowing, Kassapa, I say, "I know"; seeing, I say, "I see." 302
"'Therefore, Kassapa, you should train yourself thus: "I will arouse a keen sense of shame and fear of wrongdoing towards elders, the newly ordained, and those of middle status." Thus should you train yourself.
"'Therefore, Kassapa, you should train yourself thus:
"Whenever I listen to any dhamma(path,law) connected with the beneficial(kusala sans. kushal), I will listen to it with eager ears, attending to it as a matter of vital concern, applying my whole mind to it." 303 Thus should you train yourself.
"'Therefore, Kassapa, you should train yourself thus: "I will never relinquish meditation(sati) directed to the body associated with joy." Thus should you train yourself.' 304
"Then, having given me this instruction, the Lord (Buddha) rose from his seat and departed. [221] For seven days, friend, I ate the country's almsfood as a debtor, but on the eighth day final knowledge arose. 305
"Then, friend, the Lord (Buddha) descended from the road and went to the foot of a tree. I folded in four my outer robe of patches and said to him: 'Venerable sir, let the Lord (Buddha) sit down here. This will lead to my welfare and happiness(sukh) for a long time.' The Lord (Buddha) sat down on the appointed seat and said to me: 'Your outer robe of patches is soft, Kassapa.' - 'Venerable sir, let the Lord (Buddha) accept my outer robe of patches, out of compassion.' - 'Then will you wear my worn-out hempen ragrobes?' - 'I will, venerable sir.' Thus I offered the Lord (Buddha) my outer robe of patches and received from him his worn-out hempen rag-robes. 307
"If, friend, one speaking rightly could say of anyone: 'He is a son of the Lord (Buddha), born of his breast, born of his mouth, born of the Dhamma, created by the Dhamma, an heir to the Dhamma, a receiver of worn-out hempen rag-robes,' it is of me that one could rightly say this. 308
"Friend, to whatever extent I wish, secluded from sensual pleasures, secluded from harmful states, I enter and dwell in the first jhana, which is accompanied by thought and examination, [222] with bliss(piti/preeti) and happiness born of seclusion.... (As in 9)
"Friend, by the destruction(khaya\kshaya) of the defilements, in this very life I enter and dwell in the defilement-free liberation(vimutti sans. vimukti) of mind, liberation by illuminated-insight(panna), realizing it for myself with divine-knowledge(abhinna).
"Friend, one might just as well think that a bull elephant seven or seven and a half cubits high could be concealed by a palm leaf as think that my six divine-knowledges(abhinna) could be concealed." 309
But the bhikkhuni Thullananda fell away from the holy celibate life(brahmacariya).
155. After Death (Parammarana)[]
On one occasion the Venerable Mahakassapa and the Venerable Sariputta were dwelling at Baranasi in the Deer-Park(Migdaye) at Isipatana. Then, in the evening, the Venerable Sariputta emerged from seclusion and approached the Venerable Mahakassapa. He exchanged greetings with the Venerable Mahakassapa and, when they had concluded their greetings and cordial talk, he sat down to one side and said to him:
"How is it, friend Kassapa, does the Tathagata exist after death?" 310
"The Lord (Buddha), friend, has not declared this: 'The Tathagata exists after death.'"
"Then, friend, does the Tathagata not exist after death?"
"The Lord (Buddha), friend, has not declared this either: 'The Tathagata does not exist after death.'" [223]
"How is it then, friend, does the Tathagata both exist and not exist after death?"
"The Lord (Buddha), friend, has not declared this: 'The Tathagata both exists and does not exist after death.'"
"Then, friend, does the Tathagata neither exist nor not exist after death?"
"The Lord (Buddha), friend, has not declared this either: 'The Tathagata neither exists nor does not exist after death.'"
"Why hasn't the Lord (Buddha) declared this, friend?"
"Because this is unbeneficial, irrelevant to the fundamentals of the holy celibate life(brahmacariya), and does not lead to revulsion(nibbida), to dispassion, to cessation(nirodha), to peace, to divine-knowledge(abhinna), to enlightenment, to Nibbana. Therefore the Lord (Buddha) has not declared this."
"And what, friend, has the Lord (Buddha) declared?"
"The Lord (Buddha), friend, has declared: 'This is suffering,' and 'This is the origin of suffering,' and 'This is the cessation of suffering,' and 'This is the way leading to the cessation of suffering.'"
"And why, friend, has the Lord (Buddha) declared this?"
"Because, friend, this is beneficial, relevant to the fundamentals of the holy celibate life(brahmacariya), and leads to revulsion, to dispassion, to cessation, to peace, to divine-knowledge(abhinna), to enlightenment, to Nibbana. Therefore the Lord (Buddha) has declared this."
156. Counterfeit of True Dhamma (Saddhammappatirupaka sans. Sat-dharmapya-atirupa)[]
Thus have I heard(from Lord Buddha, says Ananda). On one occasion the Lord (Buddha) was dwelling at Savatthi in Jeta's-Grove(Jetvana), Anathapindika's Park. Then the Venerable Mahakassapa approached the Lord (Buddha), paid homage to him, sat down to one side, and said to him:
"Venerable sir, what is the reason, what is the cause, why formerly there were fewer training rules but more bhikkhus were established in final knowledge, while now there are more training rules but fewer bhikkhus are established in final knowledge?" 311
"That's the way it is, Kassapa. When beings are deteriorating and the true dhamma(path,law) is disappearing there are more training rules but fewer bhikkhus are established in final knowledge. Kassapa, the true Dhamma does not disappear so long as a counterfeit of the true Dhamma has not arisen in the world. But when a counterfeit of the true Dhamma arises in the world, then the true Dhamma disappears. 312
"Just as, Kassapa, gold does not disappear so long as counterfeit gold has not arisen in the world, but when counterfeit gold arises then true gold disappears, so the true Dhamma does not disappear so long as a counterfeit of the true Dhamma has not arisen in the world, but when a counterfeit of the true Dhamma arises in the world, then the true Dhamma disappears.
"It is not the earth element(dhatu), Kassapa, that causes the true Dhamma to disappear, nor the water element(dhatu), nor the heat element(dhatu), nor the air element(dhatu). It is the senseless people who arise right here who cause the true Dhamma to disappear.
"The true Dhamma does not disappear all at once in the way a ship sinks. 313 There are, Kassapa, five detrimental things 314 that lead to the decay and disappearance of the true Dhamma. What are the five? Here the bhikkhus, the bhikkhunis, the male lay followers, and the female lay followers dwell without reverence towards the Teacher; they dwell without reverence towards the Dhamma; they dwell without reverence towards the Sangha(fraternity); they dwell without reverence towards the training; they dwell without reverence towards samadhi(trance)state 315 These, Kassapa, are the five detrimental things that lead to the decay and disappearance of the true Dhamma.
"There are five things, Kassapa, that lead to the longevity of the true Dhamma, to its nondecay and nondisappearance. What are the five? Here the bhikkhus, the bhikkhunls, the male lay followers, and the female lay followers dwell with reverence towards the Teacher; they dwell with reverence towards the Dhamma; they dwell with reverence towards the Sangha; they dwell with reverence towards the training; they dwell with reverence towards samadhi(trance)state. These, Kassapa, are the five things that lead to the longevity of the true Dhamma, to its nondecay and nondisappearance."
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