Published as a part of the series by VRI on the 'Great Disciples of the Buddha', this book aims to motivate old students to continue their practice seriously as well as to inspire new students to walk the same path as the exemplary practitioners of Vipassana meditation.

Mahakasyapa, hailed from a rich family of the kingdom of Magadha, was one of the principal and most revered disciples of the Buddha. He was regarded as the foremost in ascetic practices. The Buddha himself praised Mahakasyapa as the one who takes delight from meditating in solitude, content & peaceful in every situation and an ideal disciple, serving with only one volition, “for the benefit of many”.

We owe our gratitude towards Mahakasyapa for playing a phenomenal role in preserving the Buddha’s teachings in its pristine purity. He directed and presided over the historic first Dhamma-Saṅgīti (recital council) arranged within three months of the Mahāparinibbāna (passing away) of the Buddha. This book contains the life story of this great meditator, his conversations with the Buddha and his contribution towards the spread of Vipassana meditation.

This book is ideal for Vipassana meditators as well as non-meditators.