Significance of Mahakashyapa
Mahakashyapa is a revered figure in Buddhism, recognized as a prominent disciple of the Buddha who played a significant role in preserving the Dharma. He is celebrated for achieving enlightenment, becoming an Arhat, and his profound wisdom and leadership within the Buddhist community. Notably, Mahakashyapa was instrumental in gathering scriptures after the Buddha's nirvana and was involved in discussions regarding text compilation. His deep meditation practices and teachings highlight his remarkable status among the enlightened disciples.
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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) The great disciple of the Buddha who played a central role in the assembly's discussions regarding the compilation of texts.[1] (2) An important disciple of the Buddha, included in the lineage of patriarchs prior to Upagupta.[2] (3) One of the principal disciples of Buddha, recognized for his advanced meditative practices and deep understanding of dharma.[3] (4) A notable disciple who attained the first fruit of the Path upon seeing the Buddha and later became an arhat.[4] (5) A prominent disciple of the Buddha known for compiling the three baskets of the Dharma and entering nirvana at Gridhrakutaparvata.[5]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A venerable figure who asks Maha-Katyayana about the qualities of supreme men Bodhisattvas.[6] (2) A venerable figure who asked Maha-Katyayana about the names of Buddhas under whom the Exalted One acquired merit.[7] (3) A venerable figure who inquires about the state of heart of the Bodhisattvas.[8] (4) A prominent disciple of the Buddha known for his wisdom and leadership within the Buddhist community.[9]
From: Lotus Sutra
(1) A disciple of the Bhagavat who will become a buddha called Rashmiprabhasa and is destined to meet many Buddha Bhagavats.[10] (2) Mahakashyapa is one of the great disciples addressed by the Bhagavat, notable for his skill in explaining the real merit of the Tathagata.[11] (3) A senior disciple of the Buddha who expressed joy upon learning about the advanced practices of enlightenment.[12]
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.[13] (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.[14] (3) A prominent disciple of Buddha known for his deep meditation practices and enlightenment.[15]
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.[16] (2) A key disciple who recalls a lesson on attitudes toward alms and the importance of equanimity while engaging with all living beings.[17]
From: Buddhacarita
(1) A prominent disciple of the Buddha credited with great wisdom and virtue.[18]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) One of the four great Bhikshu entrusted by Buddha for the propagation of Buddhism.[19]
From: Vimalakirti Sutra
(1) A prominent disciple of the Buddha who exclaims in awe upon hearing the teachings of inconceivable emancipation.[20]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) The venerable disciple to whom the Lord addresses his teachings about the qualities of the Tathagata.[21]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) A celebrated sage who encountered Buddha and was transformed by his teachings.[22]
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.[23]