Statue of Buddha's Disciple Kasyapa

This statue depicts Sakyamuni's disciple Kasyapa. The word Kasyapa originally means Kasyapiya. He was the son of Lord Wealth of Sravasti, Magadha Kingdom in ancient India. He limited his desires, contented with his lot and usually showed up in the image of an ascetic monk with his face covered with wrinkles. Sakyamuni instructed before the public by holding a flower in the Lingshan Meeting. Kasyapa comprehended Buddha's intention, smiled and obtained Saddhamma. He was instructed with the Mudra of Conscious Mind and honored as the founder of Zen. After Sakyamuni passed away, Kasyapa abided by his instruction, assembled Buddhists and convened the first assembled chanting in the history of Buddhism.

This statue is plain, unadorned, and hollowed inside. Kasyapa sits by crossing his legs,  wears a cassock and ties a knot in front of his chest. One of his hands is placed in front of the abdomen with the palm up; the other hand is in front of the chest with the fingers curved for doing the Mudra of Buddha's Hand. He has rich facial expressions. This statue vividly depicts Kasyapa in meditation.