th his divine hearing-property, surpassing that of the human–heard Sakka the deva-king, while up in the sky, exclaiming three times: "O the alms, the foremost alms, well-established in Kassapa!" "O the alms, the foremost alms, well-established in Kassapa!" "O the alms, the foremost alms, well-established in Kassapa!" On realizing the significance of that, the Blessed One on that occasion exclaimed: The monk going for alms, supporting himself and no other: The devas adore one who is Such, calmed & ever mindful. Notes 1. Going on an almsround that bypasses no donors is one of the thirteen optional ascetic (dhutaṃga) practices. See Thag 16:7. 2. Kosiya–"Owl"–is Sakkaâs clan name. - --> - - - -