Just then Venerable Mahākassapa, after completing the rainy-season residence at Rājagaha, set out for Āḷavī. When he eventually arrived, he stayed at the Aggāḷava Shrine. One morning he robed up, took his bowl and robe, and entered Āḷavī for alms. When people saw him, they became alarmed and fearful. They turned away, took a different path, ran off, and closed their doors. Then, when Venerable Mahākassapa had eaten his meal and returned from almsround, he said to the monks: “There used to be plenty of almsfood in Āḷavī, and it was easy to get by on alms. But now there’s a shortage, and it’s hard to get by. Why is that?” The monks told Venerable Mahākassapa what had happened.

Soon afterwards the Buddha too set out wandering toward Āḷavī after staying at Rājagaha for as long as he liked. When he eventually arrived, he too stayed at the Aggāḷava Shrine. Venerable Mahākassapa then went to see the Buddha, bowed, sat down, and told him what had happened.