A Mahākassapa For Our Time

Bhikkhu Bodhi recounts his first meeting with Ven. Ñāṇavimala in Colombo, comparing the ascetic’s striking physical and spiritual presence to the Buddha’s great disciple, Ven. Mahākassapa. Rather than engaging in abstract philosophy, Ven. Ñāṇavimala offered practical, grounded advice for newly ordained monks, emphasizing monastic discipline, rigorous self-examination, and finding true delight in isolation. He warned against chasing fast-track enlightenment, advocating instead for a patient, self-reliant journey deep into the scriptures.