Significance of Mahakashyapa
In Dutch: Mahakashyapa; In Finnish: Mahakashyapa; In Spanish: Mahakashyapa
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Mahakashyapa'
Mahakashyapa, a key disciple of the Buddha, is recognized for his wisdom, advanced meditative practices, and leadership in Buddhism. He played a vital role in compiling texts and discussing essential teachings, embodying deep understanding and equanimity.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) He questioned Ananda about where the Buddha preached the Dharma for the first time and what dharmas he preached.[1] (2) The great disciple of the Buddha who played a central role in the assembly's discussions regarding the compilation of texts.[2] (3) An important disciple of the Buddha, included in the lineage of patriarchs prior to Upagupta.[3] (4) One of the principal disciples of Buddha, recognized for his advanced meditative practices and deep understanding of dharma.[4] (5) A notable disciple who attained the first fruit of the Path upon seeing the Buddha and later became an arhat.[5]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A venerable figure who poses questions about the deeds and qualities of Bodhisattvas to Maha-Katyayana.[6] (2) A venerable figure who asks Maha-Katyayana about the qualities of supreme men Bodhisattvas.[7] (3) A venerable figure who asked Maha-Katyayana about the names of Buddhas under whom the Exalted One acquired merit.[8] (4) A venerable figure who inquires about the state of heart of the Bodhisattvas.[9] (5) A prominent disciple of the Buddha known for his wisdom and leadership within the Buddhist community.[10]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Mahakashyapa was a prominent disciple who cultivated the mind through dharma-objects and achieved a high state of realization.[11] (2) Mahakashyapa is a prominent figure in Buddhist texts, known as 'great Kashyapa.' He is identified by his powers of light and his cultivation practices, and is depicted as having a strong lineage related to turtles.[12] (3) A prominent disciple of Buddha known for his deep meditation practices and enlightenment.[13]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) An important patriarch character in the text, who expresses amazement at the teachings of inconceivable liberation and encourages receptiveness among followers.[14] (2) A key disciple who recalls a lesson on attitudes toward alms and the importance of equanimity while engaging with all living beings.[15]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) One of the four great Bhikshu entrusted by Buddha for the propagation of Buddhism.[16]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) The venerable disciple to whom the Lord addresses his teachings about the qualities of the Tathagata.[17]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) Mahakasyapa exclaimed that those suffering from klesa are the seeds of the Tathagata, and that he and others are no longer capable of developing a mind set on enlightenment.[18]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) This individual is one of the compilers of the teachings, through which the pronouncements given by mandate are transmitted, starting with the phrase, “Thus have I heard, at one time…”[19]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) Mahakashyapa awaits Maitreya’s arrival to hand the pamshukula (rags-robe) of Shakyamuni over to him, according to the provided information.[20] (2) This is a figure of importance in Chan lineages, and it is likely that Zhang Qiqin created this with the notion that both Chan and the lama jiao had the same origin.[21] (3) Mahakashyapa, one of the four great arhats, postponed their nirvana to stay in the world at the request of Shakyamuni, to protect the law until the appearance of the future Buddha Maitreya.[22]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) Mahakashyapa, also known as Agnidatta, is converted in the twelfth section.[23] (2) A celebrated sage who encountered Buddha and was transformed by his teachings.[24]
The concept of Mahakashyapa in local and regional sources
Mahakashyapa, a revered disciple of Tathagata, is celebrated for his enlightenment and essential role in preserving the Dharma, highlighting his significant influence in early Buddhist teachings and traditions.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) A revered disciple of Tathagata noted for his enlightenment and role in preserving the Dharma.[25]
The concept of Mahakashyapa in scientific sources
Mahakashyapa is identified as a figure flanking Buddha Sakyamuni in cave 319 at Dunhuang, according to regional sources. This places him in a specific artistic and religious context.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) A figure that flanks Buddha ´Sakyamuni in cave 319 at Dunhuang.[26]