Biography (ජීවිත කථාව)
Birth and family
Kassapa was born in Benares (Varanasi). His father was King Brahmadatta, and his mother was Queen Dhanavatī. He belonged to the Brahmin class, unlike most Buddhas who were born into the Kshatriya class.
Era and lifespan
Kassapa lived in this Mahā‑kalpa after Koṇāgamana. In his time, the average human lifespan had shortened to 20,000 years. His own lifespan was recorded as 20,000 years.
Renunciation and enlightenment
After seeing the four sights, Kassapa renounced worldly life. He attained enlightenment under the nigrodha tree, rediscovering the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
Teachings and disciples
His first sermon was delivered at Migadāya to his first five disciples. His chief disciples were Tissa and Bharadvāja. His attendant monk was Sabbamitta. His Sangha grew vast, with countless arahants attaining liberation.
Symbolic meaning (සංකේතමය අර්ථය)
Kassapa symbolizes Dharma’s endurance as lifespans shorten further. His era shows that even as worldly conditions decline, the Dharma remains a guiding light for liberation.
Sources and Further Reading (මූලාශ්ර සහ වැඩිදුර කියවීම)
- Mahāpadāna Sutta (DN 14) — SuttaFriends
- Mahāpadāna Sutta (DN 14) — SuttaCentral
- Kassapa Buddha — Wikipedia
- Kassapa Buddha — Dhamma Wiki