{"collection":"Samyutta Nikaya","full_text_available":true,"graph_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/v2/api/page/suttacentral_sn16.5/graph","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/v2/page/suttacentral_sn16.5","id":"suttacentral_sn16.5","license":"CC0","rights_basis":"suttacentral_bilara_data_cc0","source":"suttacentral","source_url":"https://suttacentral.net/sn16.5/en/sujato","summary":null,"tags":["Early Buddhist Texts","Samyutta Nikaya"],"text":"So I have heard. Near R\u0101jagaha, in the Bamboo Grove. Then Venerable Mah\u0101kassapa went up to the Buddha, bowed, and sat down to one side. The Buddha said to him: \u201cYou\u2019re old now, Kassapa. Those worn-out hempen rag robes must be a burden for you. So Kassapa, you should wear clothes given by householders, accept invitations for the meal, and stay in my presence.\u201d \u201cFor a long time, sir, I\u2019ve lived in the wilderness, eaten only almsfood, worn rag robes, and owned just three robes; and I\u2019ve praised these things. I\u2019ve been one of few wishes, content, secluded, aloof, and energetic; and I\u2019ve praised these things.\u201d \u201cBut seeing what benefit, Kassapa, have you long practiced these things?\u201d \u201cSir, seeing two benefits I have long practiced these things. I see happiness for myself in this life. And I have sympathy for future generations, thinking: \u2018Hopefully those who come after might follow my example.\u2019 For they may think: \u2018It seems that the disciples awakened after the Buddha for a long time lived in the wilderness, ate only almsfood, wore rag robes, and owned just three robes; and they praised these things. They were of few wishes, content, secluded, aloof, and energetic; and they praised these things.\u2019 They\u2019ll practice accordingly, which will be for their lasting welfare and happiness. Seeing these two benefits I have long practiced these things.\u201d \u201cGood, good, Kassapa! You\u2019re acting for the welfare and happiness of the people, out of sympathy for the world, for the benefit, welfare, and happiness of gods and humans. So Kassapa, wear worn-out hempen rag robes, walk for alms, and stay in the wilderness.\u201d","title":"Old Age","tradition":"Samyutta Nikaya","translated_text":null,"word_count":270}