________________
256
MAHAVAGGA.
IX, I, I.
NINTH KHANDHAKA.
(VALIDITY AND INVALIDITY OF FORMAL ACTS OF THE SAMGHA.)
1.
1. At that time the blessed Buddha dwelt at Kampâ, on the brink of the lotus-pond Gaggarâ. At that time there was in the country of Kâsi (a village) called Vâsabha-gâma. There a Bhikkhu called Kassapa-gotta had his residence, who was bound (to that place) by the string (of the religious duties which he had to perform there1), and who exerted himself to the end that clever Bhikkhus from a distance might come to that place, and the clever Bhikkhus therein might live at ease, and that (religious life at) that residence might progress, advance, and reach a high state.
Now at that time a number of Bhikkhus, making their pilgrimage in the country of Kâsi, came to Vâsabha-gama. And the Bhikkhu Kassapa-gotta saw those Bhikkhus coming from afar; when he saw them, he prepared seats for them, brought water for the washing of their feet, a foot-stool, and a towel 2. Then he went forth to meet them, took their bowls and their robes, offered them (water) to drink, and provided a bath for them, and provided also ricemilk and food hard and soft.
1 Tanti-baddha. Buddhaghosa says, Tanti-baddho 'ti tasmim âvâse kâtabbatâ-tanti-pafbaddho.
? See our note at I, 6, 11.
Digitized by Google
