But the implication is that Buddha Gotama was a devotee of Buddha Kassapa in his previous life. But he didn’t reach the final goal (arahant) under Buddha Kassapa, hence he came back again.
The English translation of MA has been published by BDK so far in 2 volumes (translated by Bhikkhu Analayo). The first volume covers 71 first discourses of MA and the PDF version can be downloaded here:
The corresponding passage of MA 63 translated here:
The Buddha said to Ānanda:
What do you think? Do you think that the young brahmin Uttara was someone other [than me]? Do not think so. You should know that he was me.
At that time, Ānanda, I wanted to benefit myself, to benefit others, to benefit many people; I had compassion for the whole world, and I sought prosperity, benefit, peace, and happiness for gods and human beings.
In the teaching taught at that time I did not reach the ultimate, the ultimate purity, the ultimate holy life, the ultimate completion of the holy life. At that time I was not able to abandon birth, old age, disease, death, sorrow, and distress, and I was not able to attain liberation from all suffering.
Ānanda, I have now appeared in this world as a Tathāgata, free of attachment, fully awakened, perfect in knowledge and conduct, a Well-gone One, a knower of the world, unsurpassable leader of persons to be tamed, teacher of gods and human beings, a Buddha, a Fortunate One.
I now benefit myself, benefit others, benefit many people; I have compassion for the whole world, and I seek prosperity, benefit, peace, and happiness for gods and human beings.
The teaching I now give leads to the ultimate, is the ultimate purity, the ultimate completion of the holy life. I have now abandoned birth, old age, sickness, death, sorrow, and distress. I have now attained complete liberation from suffering.
Interesting, as if it is denying the concept of Bodhisattva path taken by the Buddha in his previous lives
