Linked Discourses with Kassapa

Kassapa is content with robes, alms-food, lodging, and medicines.

Sāriputta approaches Kassapa and asks how it is that only someone who is keen and conscientious can realize freedom.

Kassapa approaches families like the moon, with humility, keeping his distance, and not getting involved. So when he teaches, it is with pure intentions.

Some mendicants approach families in the hope of receiving fine gifts or respect—but not Kassapa.

The Buddha points out that Kassapa has grown old, and urges him to give up his ascetic life and stay in a comfortable monastery.

The Buddha invites Kassapa to teach the mendicants, but he is reluctant, since certain students of Anuruddha and Ānanda have been competing to see who can teach better.

The Buddha invites Kassapa to teach the mendicants, but he is reluctant, saying that the mendicants have become stubborn and their good qualities are declining.

The Buddha invites Kassapa to teach the mendicants, but he is reluctant, saying that the senior mendicants used to set a good example, but now instead of respecting good practice, they respect fame and fortune.

The Buddha asserts that just as he has full mastery of all the meditation attainments and higher spiritual realizations, so does Kassapa.

When Kassapa is persuaded by Ānanda to go with him to teach the nuns, the nun Thullatissā compares him unfavorably to Ānanda, prompting Kassapa to issue a warning and make a bold claim of his spiritual mastery. This discourse appears to be set after the Buddha’s passing.

When several of Ānanda’s students disrobe, Kassapa admonishes him, calling him “boy”. The nun Thullanandā hears of this and criticizes Kassapa, claiming he formerly followed another teacher. But Kassapa refutes this, and gives an account of his going forth and first encounter with the Buddha.

Sāriputta asks Kassapa about whether a Realized One survives death.

Kassapa asks the Buddha why there are now more rules but fewer awakened mendicants. The Buddha replies that it is due to the arising of the counterfeit Dhamma, giving five factors that lead to decline.