Maha Kassapa Thera, the role model for Bhikkhus

by K.K.S. Perera

Nikini poya is of special significance for Buddhists due to a number of happenings, the two most important ones being commencement of Vassana and the first Dhamma Sangayana.

Ananda Maha Thera, the Buddha’s chief attendant, attained Arahathship on this day and the first Dhamma Sangayana/ convocation or Council was commenced on a Nikini full moon day under the patronage of Ajasatta, in Rajagaha, at Sattapanni Rock Cave, under the auspices of Maha Kassapa Thera.

There were 499 Bhikkhus at the beginning and Ven. Maha Kassapa Thera kept the 500th seat vacant for Ven. Ananda Thera. It all started with the Buddha’s Parinibbana; when Subaddha Thera, who was ordained in his old age, requested the mourning Bhikkhus not to weep, but, be happy that they are now free; as the Master is not there. Bhikkhu Subhadda said the Buddha had been curtailing their freedom. “Rejoice brothers now we can do what we want.”

The great Theravada Buddhist tradition flourishing today in countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, Laos and Cambodia has its beginnings in the first Council held three months after the passing away of the Buddha.

The Kandy Esala Perahera is held on this day making it more significant for Sri Lankans. Also the laying of the foundation stone for the Seruwila Dagoba took place on a Nikini Full Moon.

The North Indian rainy season begins during this month, making it extremely cold. As per rules laid down by the Buddha, Bhikkhus are not supposed to live under trees, in cemeteries or outdoors, commencing from Esala, for four months. Bhikkhus also sojourn with householders during the season.

The bhikkhus who could not commence the Vas period on Esala Full Moon day are allowed to start observing it on the Nikini Full Moon day; which is called Pasuvas.

Rainy season

Once, before the Nikini full moon day, King Bimbisara requested the Buddha to sojourn for the rainy season in his kingdom, at Rajagaha Nuwara. The Buddha accepted the invitation. The Dayakas, invited Bhikkhus to observe Vas, one of the most sacred events. They undertook to see to their comfort with respect and care.

The Bhikkhus in return, showered their blessings and devoted their time for religious practices and preaching the Dhamma to the devotees who attended to them. Ananda Maha Thera was named Dhamma Bhandagarika, treasurer of Dhamma, being the only person who heard all the discourses of the Buddha.

He was also second only to Buddha in good sense, intelligence, and circumspection. Reaching the zenith in understanding the Buddha word, he had attained Sowan, the first of the four levels on the path to Nibbana; but he attained Arahathship only after the Parinibbana of the Buddha and on a Nikini poya day.

It was on the night on the day preceding, when the first Council or Dhamma Sangayana was held, and as Ananda Maha Thera attained Arahathship, he became qualified to occupy the vacant seat kept for him by Arhath Maha Kassapa. The vacancy was kept because Ananda Maha Thera was one disciple who was found indispensable for the success of the council, being an erudite scholar of the Buddhist canon. He was the most knowledgeable person on what the Buddha taught.

Maha Kassapa Thera

Elder Maha Kassapa Thera never forgot the words uttered by The Buddha:

“Kassapa, please advise and guide the Bhikkhus, or else I will have to do it, myself.”

Elder Maha Kassapa was endowed with a variety of very special qualities and attributes, which he had accumulated through a long period in samsara. He spent most of his days in meditation, whilst maintaining a noble silence for the greater part of the rest of the time.

He considered it preferable to be ‘an example’ rather than ‘preaching to’ others.

Only the Buddha understood the special noble virtues of Arhath Kassapa. Though he wished to be in ‘forest dwelling’, leading a rough and difficult life, a solitary life, distanced away from society, wearing rough robes depending on Pindapatha alone, he spent his declining years in the Jetawana Monastery at the request of the Buddha.

Maha Kassapa Thera considered it his paramount responsibility and duty to safeguard the Dhamma and the sacred traditions of Bhikkhu life.

He was offered the great Pansakulika robe which was worn by the Buddha. Sri Lankans regard elder Mahinda thera as Anu Budhu, owing to the fact that it was he who brought the noble message of the Buddha-Dhamma.

Elder Kassapa can be regarded as the deputy to the Buddha himself, because it was he who placed the entire teaching well established for world over through the first council which he arranged and conducted.

Maha Kassapa was unique among other great disciples of the Buddha in many ways. He enjoyed the privilege of ‘exchanging robes’ with the Buddha, an event interpreted by some as a sign of succession as the head of the Sangha. His supernormal intellectual abilities were highly praised by the Buddha. He was held as the perfect example of a Bhikkhu.

At the first Sangayana, Maha Kassapa Thera was instrumental in collating all aspects of teaching and codifying them in Nikayas such as Dhiga, Majjima, Sanyukkta etc.

Collecting alms

Addressing the bhikkhus in his monastery, the Buddha said, “O Bhikkhus, this Arhath Kassapa, enters a village for collecting alms with the thought, ‘How can I expect to receive things from others in exactly the same way as I would like to have them’.

Whether he receives something or does not receive anything, receives things in plenty or scantily, or receives things that are delicious or otherwise, or receives things well or coarsely prepared, or receives things with or without due courtesy, he does not feel elated or disappointed on that account.”

“Therefore, O Bhikkhus, I would advise you to conduct yourselves as this Bhikkhu Kassapa does. Furthermore, I would like to remind you to respect his advice and conduct yourselves accordingly.”