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Udàna 1: Bodhivaggo
The Chapter (including the Discourses) about the Awakening (Tree)

6: The Discourse about Kassapa

Thus I heard:
at one time the Gracious One was dwelling near Ràjagaha, in Bamboo Wood, at the Squirrels' Feeding Place.

Then at that time venerable Mahàkassapa was dwelling in the Pepper Cave, and was afflicted, suffering, and very sick. Then venerable Mahàkassapa at another time arose from that affliction. Then this occured to venerable Mahàkassapa when he arose from that affliction: ßWell now, I should enter Ràjagaha for alms.û

Then at that time five hundred devatàs were ready and eager to offer almsfood to venerable Mahàkassapa. But venerable Mahàkassapa, after refusing those five hundred devatàs, having dressed in the morning time, after picking up his bowl and robe, entered Ràjagaha for alms, (going) to the poor streets, to the wretched streets, to the weaver's streets.

The Gracious One saw venerable Mahàkassapa walking for alms in Ràjagaha, (going) to the poor streets, to the wretched streets, to the weaver's streets.

Then the Gracious One, having understood the significance of it, on that occasion uttered this exalted utterance: