Venerated Mahākāśyapa (vegan): Enlightened Ascetic and Guardian of the Sangha, Part 3 of 3

Mahākāśyapa had achieved such a high level of spiritual attainment that He could grasp the deeper meanings conveyed by Shakyamuni Buddha’s actions. This is why Shakyamuni Buddha chose Him as the One Who truly understood Him and the most deserving to be His successor. Moreover, Shakyamuni Buddha gave Mahākāśyapa a golden robe to pass on to the Worshipped Maitreya Buddha (vegan), the Future Buddha.

Based on the story of the “Flower Sermon,” Mahākāśyapa’s intuitive grasp of the wordless teaching elevated Him to the status of the first Patriarch of Zen. This account highlights that real wisdom comes from understanding the essence behind the words, not just the words themselves. It embodies a central Zen principle. Personal meditative experience and direct insight are valued more than strict adherence to philosophical doctrines or reliance on written scriptures.

In numerous post-canonical texts, it is mentioned that towards the end of His life, Mahākāśyapa was instructed not to enter Nirvana (immortality), but to safeguard and pass on the Worshipped Shakyamuni Buddha’s robe and bowl to the Worshipped Maitreya Buddha (vegan), the Future Buddha, as a symbol of the latter’s legitimate succession. Mahākāśyapa decided to enter a deep state of meditation in a cave on a mountain called Kukkuṭapāda or Chicken Foot Mountain while awaiting the appearance of Maitreya Buddha in the distant future. Chicken Foot Mountain, situated in Yunnan province, China, is regarded as a bodhimaṇḍala – a spiritual sanctuary – for Mahākāśyapa.

In a message on July 14, 2024, our most Beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai (vegan) shared more about Venerated Mahākāśyapa. “Mahākāśyapa, He’s supposed to be still in that Chicken Foot Mountain. And many people went there for pilgrimage and buying souvenir stuff from there. They believe the souvenirs have Blessings from the great Mahākāśyapa. But He Himself, the real monk, is staying in that mountain. Nobody can see Him. Of course, He’s hidden inside a cave within the mountain. But He Himself has just a manifestation body. And that body is in China as a human, just doing what we’re doing as a human.”

As the years passed beyond His own lifetime, Mahākāśyapa patiently awaited the arrival of Maitreya Buddha to bring deliverance to the world. When Maitreya Buddha finally emerged as our most Gracious Supreme Master Ching Hai, Mahākāśyapa passed on the Buddha’s robe and bowl, along with precious śarīra, or relics, to Her, signifying the continuity of Dharma and the promise of future justice. “And I’m very indebted to Him. I want to tell Him again that I treasure the gift of Buddha’s śarīra very much, very much. I don’t know how to find words to express how much I appreciate it. And Mahākāśyapa also sent me a bowl, like an alms bowl, a begging bowl and some small pieces of yellow cloth.”