38. Ven. Mahā Kappina

100,000 aeons ago under Buddha Padumuttara, a householder observed a monk declared foremost in instructing and exhorting monks. Inspired, he made grand seven-day offerings and aspired for the same title under a future Buddha, receiving a prophecy of fulfillment. In a subsequent life during Buddha Kassapa’s era, he led 500 weavers in building a grand monastery for the Saṅgha. In his final existence, he was King Mahā Kappina of Kukkutavatī. Upon hearing traders mention the Three Jewels, he immediately abdicated, leaving his kingdom alongside his 500 ministers to seek the Buddha. Intercepted by Buddha Gotama, Kappina and his retinue attained Arahatship upon hearing the Dhamma. The Buddha later declared him foremost in exhorting the monastics (bhikkhu-ovādaka).