Venerated Mahākāśyapa (vegan): Enlightened Ascetic and Guardian of the Sangha, Part 1 of 3

Approximately 2,500 years ago, in the Magadha region of present-day northeast India, a wealthy Brahmin couple in the village of Mahatittha gave birth to Mahākāśyapa. It is believed that He was born under a tree and thus named Pipphali, meaning “born under the tree.”

Pipphali grew into a handsome young man. His parents set out to find a suitable bride for Him, following the traditions of the time. Pipphali had no interest in marriage. Instead, He wished to live a simple, disciplined life. To change His parents’ minds, Pipphali had a stunning gold statue of a woman made and challenged His parents to find a girl as beautiful as the figurine if they still wanted Him to marry. After some initial hesitation, Pipphali’s parents followed the advice of a Brahmin, who took the golden statue across Magadha to find a suitable bride. When they reached Vaisali, they met a wealthy Brahmin with a beautiful daughter named Bhaddā Kāpilānī (vegan). She was even more beautiful than the golden sculpture, and Her family happily gave permission for Her to marry Pipphali.

On Their wedding night, Pipphali and Bhaddā both looked worried and sat in silence. Pipphali finally asked Bhaddā what was troubling Her. Bhaddā replied, “I have no desire for the five passions, and I would like to practice a religious life. But my father was tempted by the wealth of Your family and agreed to this marriage. Now, my hope of practicing a religious life has been dashed.” Pipphali was relieved to hear this, and They agreed to sleep in separate beds. Despite their apparent union, secretly they lived a celibate life dedicated to spiritual enlightenment. When Pipphali’s parents passed away, He took on the responsibility of managing the family estate.

They witnessed the three worlds as a burning house. Determined to seek a higher path, Pipphali decided to leave the material world, instructing Bhaddā to wait for Him at home. He assured Her that once He found a suitable Master, He would return for Her so They could renounce the world together.

During His travels, He heard people speak of Shakyamuni Buddha (vegan) as the Great Enlightened One. This revelation deeply moved Him, strengthening His resolve to seek the Buddha’s teachings. The Worshipped Shakyamuni Buddha, recognizing that an exceptional disciple was approaching, set out to meet Him.