3-Nandavaggo-07

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 sitting in one cross-legged posture for seven days, having attained a certain concentration. Then venerable Mahàkassapa, with the passing of those seven days arose from that concentration. Then it occured to venerable Mahàkassapa after arising from that concentration: 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.

Then at that time the lord of the devas Sakka, having a desire to give almsfood to venerable Mahàkassapa, having created the appearance of a weaver (for himself), was weaving thread while the Asura maiden Sujà was filling the shuttle.

Then venerable Mahàkassapa, while walking systematically for alms in Ràjagaha, went to the residence of the lord of the devas Sakka. The lord of the devas Sakka saw venerable Mahàkassapa coming while still far away. After seeing (him), leaving the house, going to meet (him), taking the bowl from his hand, entering the house, taking up the rice from the pot, and filling the bowl, he gave it to venerable Mahàkassapa, and that almsfood had many sauces, many curries, many sauces and tasty curries.

Then this occured to venerable Mahàkassapa: ßNow who is this being, who has such power and majesty?û Then it occured to venerable Mahàkassapa: ßThis is the lord of the devas Sakka.û Having understood it was so, he said this to the lord of the devas Sakka: ßThis is your doing, Kosiya, you must not do such a thing again.û

ßWe also have a need for merit, reverend Kassapa, we also have a duty to make merit.û

Then the lord of the devas Sakka after worshipping and circumambulating venerable Mahàkassapa, after going up into the sky, while in the air, in the firmament, three times uttered an exalted utterance:

ßAh giving! The best gift is well established on Kassapa,
Ah giving! The best gift is well established on Kassapa.û

The Gracious One heard with his divine ear-element, which is purified, and surpasses that of (normal) men, the lord of the devas Sakka, after going up into the sky, while in the air, in the firmament, three times uttering an exalted utterance:

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