First of all "bhikshu" basically means "monk." 1250 is a very large crowd! The meaning of "bodhisattva" is one of the things this sutra (scripture) will attempt to make clear: someone who follows the path laid forth by the Buddha in subsequent chapters. I am not really sure the distinction between a bodhisattva and a (the) buddha. I understand "buddhaness" to be a state of mind which bodhisattvas aspire toward and which visits people from time to time. It is not an entity like a person, but more abstract, like "green" or "happy."
The Buddha (or Bhagavan) shows humility by begging for food daily and encouraging, by eaxmple, his followers to do so. I am not sure whether the mentioning of him putting away his robe and bowl is important, or whether the washing of his feet has some deeper significance. The next sentence about sitting cross-legged and turning his attention to what was before him describes meditation and zen practice in a nutshell. From what I've read, zen is all about concentrating on the here and now, bringing your awareness to illuminate it.
When the monks approach, their described behavior is a sign of respect for the buddha.
It occurs to me that this introductory chapter of the diamond cutter sutra describes Buddhist practice as exemplified by the buddha. He is humble. He is industrious. (This may be the explanation of putting away his stuff after he was done with it.) He meditates and he concentrates on what is before him.
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