Together with a gathering of great bhikṣus. After Śākyamuni Buddha realized Buddhahood, he went first to the Deer Park to cross over the Five Bhikshus including Ājñātakauṇḍinya. Then he contemplated and saw that Uruvilvā Kāśyapa, who had a large following of disciples, could be converted. Śākyamuni Buddha was an Elder Sanghan and had the manner of a High Master, but when he arrived to pay his visit, Uruvilvā Kāśyapa did not acknowledge him with respect because he thought, “I am the leader of many men. Everyone calls me the Worthy One…” Unaware of the Buddha’s background, he unceremoniously launched into an investigation of dharma with him. Soon, however, he realized what he had confronted, for no matter what he said, he never managed to have the last word. He could not defeat the Buddha in debate! Having failed with words, he resorted to his spiritual power as a fire worshipper. With the intention of burning the Buddha, he conjured up a great fire. His strength was impressive, but the fire failed to touch the Buddha, and, in fact, veered back toward Kāśyapa himself, who, on the verge of being burned alive, was helpless and immediately surrendered to the Buddha.

Uruvilvā had five hundred disciples, and his brothers had two hundred fifty each, all of whom took refuge with the Buddha, bringing the number of disciples to 1005.

Later the Buddha converted Śāriputra and Mahāmaudgalyāyana who had one hundred disciples each. When they took refuge, the Buddha’s disciples amounted to 1205 in all. Yasas, the son of an elder, and his disciples also took refuge with the Buddha. This actually makes a total of 1255 disciples who were the Buddha’s constant followers. Sutra texts round off the number to 1250.