The nagas resemble a lot with the spirits and have miraculous powers but are included in the category of animals because of their body in the form of big hooded snakes like cobras[4], and also probably because of their powerful animal instincts. They have the capacity to become invisible and shapeshift, the sacred texts often mentioning them to appear in human form, although they can take other forms[5], too. They are temperamental beings and if they are upset or their teritory is defiled they can throw with diseases or cause various problems to humans.
Naga Mucalinda and Shakyamuni Buddha |
However, there are some nagas who are converted to Buddhism and who protect the Dharma and the disciples of Buddha, sometimes even acting as keepers of sacred texts[6]. In Muccalinda Sutra we are told that the naga king Muccalinda protected Shakyamuni Buddha from rain by covering him with his huge hood. This image is famous in the Buddhist statuary art. Also, in the Lotus Sutra we are told about a daugher of another naga king who attained Enlightenment, and a list of eight great naga kings are often mentioned in audience when Shakyamuni taught various sutras. So, the world of nagas has its own sages and spiritually evolved practitioners.
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Garudas, the second type of animals with miraculous powers, are very big birds[12] with incredible strenght, being capable to pull banyan trees from their roots (Jataka, 412, 543) or create a powerful wind with the flapping of their wings (Jataka, 518) through which they separate the waters of the ocean and find nagas dwelling places (Jataka, 412) or to cause a storm which can destroy human houses and plunge a whole town into total darkness (Jataka, 360).[13]
[1] When king Uggasena wished to visit the realm of nagas, the naga king Campeya created through his magical power a golden road which lead there.
[2] In Bhuridatta Jataka entrance to a naga dwelling place is described as a whirpool in the Yamuna river, but later, the nagas reach the same place through earth.
Jataka 543 - The Buddhist Cosmos: A Comprehensive Survey of the Early Buddhist Worldview; according to Theravada and Sarvastivada sources, by Punnadhammo Mahathero, Independently Published, Arrow River Forest Hermitaje, 2018, p.169
[3] It is told that the naga king Vimala wished to recruit an assasin to kill the sage Vvidhura because his queen desired to eat his heart, so he asked his daugher Irandhati to find one. She did not oppose, being herself overcome by carnal desires, so she put on a red dress, adorned herself with various ornaments and went on the top of a mountain. There she made a bed of perfumed flowers, danced and sang with a sweet voice: „What gandharva, rakshasa, kimpurisa or a sage would like to have his desires satisfied with me and be my husband for the whole night?” This is how she seduced and recruited Punnaka, the leader of yakshas who tried to kill Vidhura.
Jataka, 546 - The Buddhist Cosmos: A Comprehensive Survey of the Early Buddhist Worldview; according to Theravada and Sarvastivada sources, by Punnadhammo Mahathero, Independently Published, Arrow River Forest Hermitaje, 2018, p.173
[4] They also feed like snakes, especially the water nagas.
[5] The sacred texts sometimes mention cases of nagas who assume the form of animals and even objects.
[6] It is said that Bodhisattva Nagarjuna received the Prajnaparamita sutras from some nagas which were entrusted to them by Shakyamuni Buddha.
[7] Nagas come back to their natural form when sleeping, throw their skin, make sex with other nagas and in the moment of death.
[8] Vinaya, Mahavagga 1:63 - The Buddhist Cosmos: A Comprehensive Survey of the Early Buddhist Worldview; according to Theravada and Sarvastivada sources, by Punnadhammo Mahathero, Independently Published, Arrow River Forest Hermitaje, 2018, p.168-169
[9] For example, somebody observes all the other precepts and be very generous with those in need but has an incorrect sexual life. This combination may lead to rebirth as a naga. Uncontrolled sexuality has the karmic effect of birth into the animal plane of existence (and in some extreme cases even in hell or preta realms) while generosity leads to abundance and miraculous powers.
[10] Once the Buddha reached the monastery of Kassapa in Uruvela, who was the leader of a group of fire ascetics and asked him to let Him sleep in the place called the „fire hut”. Kassapa agreed but told Him that there was a ferocious and poisoned naga there. Buddha was not scared and sat inside the fire hut in meditation posture. The naga became furious and blew smoke through his mouth. Buddha did the same. „I will conquer the heat of this naga with heat without destroying him”, thought the Buddha. Then the naga blew fire and the Buddha, entering the fire element, did the same. The fire ascetics gathered arround the hut and watched in amazement how it was filled with fire. All of them thought the Buddha will die, but to their surprise the next morning the Buddha left the hut with the tamed naga seated silently in His bowl: „Look Kasapa, here is your naga. His fire was extinguished.”
[11] The nagas who take refuge in the Buddha cannot be eaten by the garudas.
[12] According to Anguttara Nikaya a garuda king can have a wingspread of 150 yojanas.
[13] The Buddhist Cosmos: A Comprehensive Survey of the Early Buddhist Worldview; according to Theravada and Sarvastivada sources, by Punnadhammo Mahathero, Independently Published, Arrow River Forest Hermitaje, 2018, p.177
[14] Bot: Bombax Ceiba. They are also called Kapok trees. In English they are known as Silk-cotton trees.
[15] The Buddhist Cosmos: A Comprehensive Survey of the Early Buddhist Worldview; according to Theravada and Sarvastivada sources, by Punnadhammo Mahathero, Independently Published, Arrow River Forest Hermitaje, 2018, p.177
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