Apology to the Naga Realm
(By Tsem Rinpoche)
Dear friends around the world,
Nagas are powerful beings belonging to the animal realm but they have subtle bodies that humans cannot ordinarily perceive. They are considered one of the Eight Classes of Spirits known as ‘Lu’ in Tibetan. Nagas are ruled by Eight Naga Kings and are usually depicted as serpentine beings, or as beings with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a serpent. They can also appear as large snakes, frogs and as fish. As they are sentient beings within samsara, who have their own karma, perception and tendencies, Nagas are not enlightened beings. Hence as Buddhists we do not take refuge in them.
These beings abide in areas where there is water, such as in streams, springs, ponds, rivers, lakes and the oceans. To a lesser extent they also abide in woodland areas, such as forests and jungles. As these places are their homes, Nagas become extremely displeased when someone pollutes their environment (especially waterways), clears the natural flora and fauna, does any form of destructive earthworks or constructs buildings on their land. They are also displeased when people living on their land or near them are disharmonious and quarrelsome.
Being extremely clean beings, they also abhor negative actions including the killing of animals, and the smell of meat disgusts them. They also cannot stand the smell of alcohol or other intoxicants, and are offended when people break their samaya with their gurus.
If we have offended Nagas in any way, they can afflict us if we have a karmic connection with them from previous lives. Such signs that the Nagas are offended includes:
- dreams of snakes attacking us
- accidents
- skin diseases, especially leprosy
- cancer
- kidney problems
- disharmony within our lives
- in extreme cases, can lead to possession and even death.
As powerful beings that can control the weather, they can also cause severe drought, or floods if they are displeased.
There are many ways we can appease these beings, including giving them offerings and reciting certain prayers. For example, you can sponsor a Naga Puja to appease them. When they are happy, Nagas can actually grant conducive weather conditions, for example by calling for or holding off the rain. Nagas who are pleased can also result in improvements in one’s wealth, fame and health. Peace and harmony can increase, and various obstacles and sicknesses in life can be removed. Being sensitive beings however, it is generally not recommended that we propitiate Nagas unless we are under the guidance of a qualified lama.
Making offerings and reciting prayers to the Nagas is more than just appeasing them. It is also to pacify any injury we have caused them due our carelessness, since we have caused them harm by altering their environment. Another method is to recite the sutra below. This can be recited on Naga days or whenever possible. It is good to do this repeatedly when engaging in construction work or any work that disturbs the land, or could cause unintentional pollution to the land and waterways. This sutra can be recited by anyone with good samaya with their lama, and who holds their vows and commitments well. Also, one should observe a strict vegetarian diet one day prior to the recitation and on the actual day of the recitation as well, in order to cleanse yourself since Nagas are adverse even to the smell of meat and alcohol.
Accompanying this recitation, you can burn Naga incense. This incense is made with natural herbs, the scent of which is said to appease Nagas and it is free from any kind of animal products. You can also leave other offerings out near waterways and on your land, such as milk and other foods that do not contain any trace of animal products, as this will serve to anger them more.
Nagas are not generally a type of being who go out of their way to harm us, but due to our carelessness they can be hurt and offended. When they are, they can have a very negative impact on our lives. As such it is wise to be mindful of the natural environment and reduce pollution. For those who are afflicted or could be afflicted due to their work, the sutra recitation presented below will be very useful.
Tsem Rinpoche
Apology to the Naga Realm
Aug 13 2016
We are very pleased to offer a translation of a very important Naga text from the Zung-Due (collection of Mahayana Sutras). This text, called the ‘Lu’i Pang Kong’ is is an extensive apology and amendment to the realm of Nagas, and is commonly recited when someone has been stricken with a naga-related disease or misfortune. One would commission Lamas to recite this Sutra as many times as one’s age, or recite it oneself.
This text includes the U-chen script, a line of phonetics and an English translation. It outlines the realms of nagas, names their legion of Kings; it describes all the manner in which we knowlingly or unknowlingly harm the Nagas through the impact we make on the environment. It includes lists of the kinds of offerings the Nagas prefer and the specific kinds of medicine they need to heal. By reading this text, you will come to know all about the realm of Nagas and how interconnected we are with them.
Read this Sutra on special Naga days or when making other Naga offerings.
Many thanks to Lama Pema Chophel for recognizing the importance of this text, and making the effort to translate it for the benefit of all.
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Source: http://saraswatibhawan.org/apology-to-the-naga-realm/
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Source: http://saraswatibhawan.org/apology-to-the-naga-realm/
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Source: http://saraswatibhawan.org/apology-to-the-naga-realm/
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Source: http://saraswatibhawan.org/apology-to-the-naga-realm/
For more interesting information:
- The 35 Confessional Buddhas
- Dorje Shugden Trakze to Dispel Black Magic & Spirits
- Dharma Protectors of Tibetan Buddhism
- Sadhana & Prayers
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Since I was young and whenever went for mountain hiking, people always warned me to respect the spirits in mountains and forests. I feel really good when I’m in the nature, I feel like the spirits of nature will bless me. But we still need to be careful, like not calling the real name when we are in the jungle, there are etc “rules” to follow to make sure you are safe.
Now I gain more knowledge to know that we are not encouraged to eat meat or bring any meat products into the nature because nagas love animals. This make me think about people love to BBQ meat when they camp in the nature, we should change this attitude.
Thank you Tsem Rinpoche for the sharing on Nagas and how to appease them. The apology and amendment to the realm of Nagas is useful especially when we have accidently offended Nagas. At least we have the source to refer to for appeasing Nagas back.
Dear Rinpoche,
thank you very much for your detailed teachings on nagas. As I learned about the nagas that they are very “special” referring used items I would like to ask you the following question.
During my Ngöndro practice I gathered a lot of rice, semi precious stone and glass beads I used for my practice of mandala offerings. As I do not like to throw this things just in the trask I thougt it might be a good idea to offer this “used items” to the nagas by throwing it into a river accompanied by reciting Mantras e.g. OM. MANI PEME HUNG. Background of this idea is the thought that this items are blessed by the practice and may bring blessing for the animals, beings in the river and the nagas around or in the river as well.
Do you think this is ok or should I refrain from that idea?
When I was young and active, I like nature a lot and always went for mountain hiking. People warned me that whoever goes into the mountains or jungles will need to be very careful about what they eat or say. They are not encouraged to eat meat or bring any meat products into the jungle, they shouldn’t be saying anything nasty or act funny too in the jungle as this will offend the beings in the jungle hence causing a lot of problems. Now I guess they are referring to the nagas and the consequences of offending the nagas. The Chinese and local people has been saying this for a very long time, and what they said matches what is being said in Buddhism. I don’t think they learned it from Buddhism. If this is the case, then it must be from their experiences. If what they experienced here and what is believed by the Tibetan buddhists are the same, it must not be pure coincidence. It must be real. I like it when what I learned, heard and observed match well.
Interesting article …..which many of us should know. I have heard true story of how people offended the Naga without realising its effect and sequence of how they being affected. Nagas are not aggressive beings unless one had offended or disturbed them in their peaceful environment. We have to be mindful and aware of what we encounter or do in a new environment such as in the jungle or waterfall and so on. Always respect their present even though we do not see them with our naked eyes. Doing offering and apology to them is a good choice.
Thank you Rinpoche for the explanation on Naga realms.
This honestly has me thinking of the hill stations where they say nature spirits are more powerful. This prayer is very important, for if we have( however unknowingly) offended the nagas we need to know how to apologize sincerely and in a safe manner.
Thank you for the explaining the importance and providing the means of apology!
Dear Rinpoche,
Although Rinpoche have been posted this for quite sometime, respectfully I try to read it with the thought that it will increase my knowledge about the realms of the nagas, may I be able recite this future to help myself and others and may this sutra remained as long as it can. Although there are 8 Naga Kings, but looks like there are many Nagas, abide in many places, can cure many diseases and the offerings that can be made. Thank you Rinpoche.
A very interesting and important teaching that most people should be aware of and know. Thank you very much Rinpoche and blog team for doing this important write up on Naga Realm._/\_
Does the “Datuk Kong” comes in the same category of Nagas? Coz I heard many times from old people or villagers that when we are entering the forest or jungle we must be careful not to disturb any of these Datuks.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this interesting article. Guess I learn something from this article, that is, do not simply harm and land or water area as there are beings residing such as the Naga. We wouldn’t want to make them angry and get ourselves into trouble. So, to be on the safe side, it is always better to offer a prayer to the Nagas before doing anything related to the ground and water.
With folded palms,
Vivian
Thank you Rinpoche for the teaching. Your explanation clear my doubts of why some worship Serpent and how our negative which emitted from our body which can upset the Naga.
Thanks Rinpoche for sharing this important information on Naga. It’s very important to know because the consequences of offending Nagas are very serious and life threatening.I now understand more about Nagas. This article is also very important and beneficial to share with others.
Hello hi
I felt that there are lots of similarity between the Naga and King Neptune, which described by the western society. I also found that there are lots of common between Kuan Yin and Mother Mary. I believe that the spiritual beings, Gods and Buddha have manifested in different shape and form, which could appear simultaneously in different dimension and location. Both Naga and Neptune has a upper body of a human, and a lower body of a snake, both of them live in a water place and has the power to control the weather and many other things. What i like about Tibetan Buddhism the most is they have the vast knowledge and skills in explaining everything logically, and not threaten anyone by just throwing “faith” into the picture.
Thank you Tesm Rimpoche for sharing this article.
Interesting article…to know more about it. Well many of us do not know these beings do exist ,its important to be mindful,respect always when we are in jungles,rivers and so forth especially very quiet and lonely place.All these places are homes of the Nagas. Be aware of our environment and care for nature.May more people are aware of the Nagas do exist and not to destroy any environment without doing offering and apology to them.
Thanks Rinpoche for sharing for us to understand better.
This is a definitely must read for everyone that wants to know more about Nagas. Through the article it has made me realise there are beings that exist that we are not able to see that possess qualities that are very powerful. Sometimes through our carelessness, we will offend these beings and we do not even know that we have done so. Through this it actually tells us that it is basic respect that we should have towards everything that is around us.
When we have the awareness to live in harmonious ways and not kill or harm, having a pure heart we will be able to live a life that is good as there is no intention to cause harm in anyway. It shows that true kindness is something that is what we should all work towards and it is appreciated by all.
This is a really good article for those who are curious about Nagas. From this write-up. I learnt that although Nagas are powerful creatures that can bestow wealth, good health and good weather, we should not take refuge in them as they are not enlightened. However, we should respect them and their abode as they can show displeasure by inflicting diseases, bring bad weather and accidents. As they dwell in places like lakes, rivers, forests and jungles, we should always be very mindful when we are at these places.
Thank you for this interesting post, Rinpoche. I now understand more about Nagas, something that has fascinated me since I was young.
This is so beneficial for human kind, who sometimes inadvertently end up offending nagas in one way or another. And I suppose most are not even aware such beings exist at all amongst them. I would think people who live closer to nature have the opportunity to encounter nagas, I suppose if we respect nature and its inhabitants we will be alright.
龙族是众生之一，祂们并不是证悟者，因此我们不应该皈依于祂们。
龙族常出现的地方包括池塘、河流、湖、大海以及其他有水的地方。龙族也会出现在森林。祂们可以现身为一条大蛇、青蛙甚至是鱼。除此，龙族会感到不愉快当人类污染或破坏环境或是发生不和谐和争议在祂们居住的范围里。
另一个重点是，龙族是不能忍受酒精以及动物杀害的味道。还有，龙族也会对付那些没有遵守与上师的三味耶。
感谢仁波切分享这篇与龙族有关的博文。
I have never heard about Nagas before my stay in Malaysia. It is very important to learn about these beings as they are in our environment and we can offend them by our ignorance and carelessness. They can create a lot of sickness in our life and we want them to be happy for sure.
Thank you for this clarifying article.
Pastor Antoinette
Is interesting to know about the background and nature of nagas. Nagas is type of being born in animal realm. They can be dangerous and harmful if we offended them causing us have skin diseases, especially leprosy
cancer,kidney problems,disharmony within our lives. In extreme cases, can lead to possession and even death.
Personally had wittiness few case of people possesses by nagas due to their karmic connection. I had saw how H.E.Tsem Tulku Rinpoche helped these people has disturbed by the nagas and get well. In Kechara Forest Retreat land,Rinpoche always advised us be kind and not hurting animals. Respect our nature environment because they have different kind of sentient being like nagas living around us. In serves occasion, in the middle process of building at the retreat land. If we need to cutting trees, we have to make offering to nagas first before cutting trees so we are not offend by nagas by destroy the nature. Rinpoche always remind us time to time make incense offering to the nagas and land deity in the retreat land.
Personally I don’t have any experience on Naga ( offending ) , and I always heard from Pastors ( Pastor Chia and Pastor Henry ) regarding about how customers from KP outlet offended Naga by talking nonsense and polluted they ( Naga ) environment ( seaside, waterfalls and rivers ) . And of course the victim has their Karmic connection with the Naga ( Killed snake from previous lifetimes or this lifetime and eating seafood).
My point : this is the article that I can share with customers in Kechara Paradise outlets, not to kill and one of reason to become a vegetarian. If the customer has a dreams of snakes attacking, skin diseases, disharmony in lives or possession by Spirits. I will refer the case to any of one to our Kechara Pastor.
Thank You
Eric kksiow
This article is ready taught us on more mindful and care to our nature and environment. Our carelessness and inproper conduct in nature will cause the Naga suffering and If we have offended Nagas in any way, they can afflict us if we have a karmic connection with them from previous lives. Therefore everyone of us should be mindful of our conduct in nature and everyware.
And I read somewhere saying that The bodhisattva Manjushri, in wrathful form, can appear as Nagaraksha . So Naga can be also very compassionate .
Thank you for this article. I think it is very important for people to know this that we have to always be aware of our enviromment and not simply destroy and pollute the nature. As we know now destroying the environment does not only bring harm to ourselve but also the other beings staying around. We should always respect the nature.
It’s interesting to know the nature of Naga and what they are capable of. Naga is a very sensitive being and they are every where especially in the forest and places that have water. We may easily offended them if we don’t watch our action and if we don’t know their nature. So it’s important to learn up so we know how to not offend them or if we did we know what to do.
I have heard some true story of how people offended the Naga how they being affected. It’s can be very serious up to loosing your life. We are lucky that we have our Guru to advice us what to do and understand the nature of the Naga so we can prevent from disturbing them by watching our action.
I would like to share an interesting sharing from Pastor Chia which has shared with a group of us, during the Naga Puja, we’ll have different types of traditional medicines to offer to the Nagas because Nagas themselves are suffering from diseases, hence, by offering them medicines, they are able to heal from diseases and feel pleased.
Personally, I think it’s easy and simple to not disturb by and not to disturb the Nagas. We will just need to respect them, which mean be aware and responsible on whatever we are doing. For instance, littering, deforestation, polluting the naturals and more of what human beings are now doing. We all share the same space, just because we are not able to see them physically and we thought that we, human beings, own the earth and we can do whatever we want, such a selfish thought. May more people able to realise the mistakes we are making and stop doing it or else it’ll be too late to apologise.
I remember a young man who had two nagas following him after an outing with his friends to a river. He admitted he and his friends were drinking and throwing empty cans into the river, swearing and shouting obscenities, and littering the area. That was many years ago. He visited Kechara seeking help when Rinpoche was giving a dharma teaching in Kechara House. Out of compassion Rinpoche advised him what to do including engaging in a retreat, to chant a specific manta, and to observe a strict vegetarian diet. Initially the young man did as told but unfortunately he succumbed to his desire by eating fried chicken (he was seen partaking of the chicken by a Kecharian) and he did not complete the retreat. To make matters worse he went to Kechara House and accused everyone that the retreat he was engaging in was of no help to him. He stopped doing the retreat and ever since I have seen nor heard of him. I hope he is well.
In Kechara Forest Retreat, Rinpoche always advises us to make puja offerings to the nagas and local land deities before any tree was cut, any earth work was carried out, any conduction work starts. Hence all construction works were carried out with no serious injuries to the workers on site.
Just the same like human, Nagas also has emotions and attachments, likes and dislikes, that’s why when we are in the nature, we should not do anything that offend them, cause they will take revenge when we offended them.
All this time, I thought nagas are in the god realm, because of his “superpower” and ability, thanks to this article, it is kind of hard to believe that nagas are in animal realm, because they are so different compare to the other animals we usually sees, and after reading this article, it also answered my many years curious / questions.
this is very useful to the people who has offended the Nagas, there is a complete apology text we can recite to apologize and make offerings to the nagas.
In Chinese tradition, it is always advised by the older generation, that we do not disturb the nature without ‘informing’ and apologizing first. I never really understood the reason for it, but now I know it’s because of the nagas and spirits that may reside in those places.
We should always be careful and mindful of our surroundings when we are outdoor. We will never know what or who we will accidentally offend.
This post is very useful especially for those like me, so that we can learn and understand.
Thanks Rinpoche for sharing this important information on Naga. It’s very important to know because the consequences of offending Naga are very serious and life threatening.
After discussion with my Dharma brothers and sisters, the sharing on cases who offended Naga are very scary. One of the case is in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3G6g6F5jDR0
It’s very important to have a kind and compassionate heart to all sentient beings including those we can’t see. May those who offended Naga can find a solution to cure, so understand and promote this important information is very important.
Thank you.
I tend to automatically associate naga with dragon even though the dragon depicted in the western folklore and mythology seems nothing like what is described here in this article about naga.
It’s interesting that naga belongs to the animal realm because I think the general assumption is that beings in the animal realm are the real life animals we see eg cats, dogs, cows, chicken, etc. The article mentioned that nagas have subtle bodies that humans cannot ordinarily perceive.
Our written and spoken history strongly imply that naga must exist and there are those who have seen them. If nagas are one type of “unseen” being in the animal realms, what are the chances that there are many more. Would Bigfoot also fall under this same category, hence many seems to have encountered them but yet there are no solid evidence.
Don’t talk abaout us beling alone in the universe. We are not even “alone” on Earth. It seems that among us are countless other beings that we cannot see. Maybe these beings are the causes of the many unexplained phenomena we have encountered.
If only we all believe in nagas, then maybe we would be more respectful towards nature and environment, be more responsible with pollution, deforestation and development and live more harmoniously.
Due to our lack of mindfulness, it is often that we may have disturbed the Nagas by being disrespectful to their environments. One of the common mistake that we make is when we urinate in places that have disturbed the Nagas and the consequences of bodily harm are beyond medical assistance.
Thank you Rinpoche for giving us such a detail manner whereby we can make amends to overcome our mistakes and the consequences of our lack of mindfulness. The information on this post will be useful to us at all times.
Nagas are serpent-like in form, and live primarily in water bodies and to a lesser extent are associated with earth and trees. Though powerful beings, they are said to have abilities which include controlling of the weather, bring good fortune and wealth and enhancing fertility and positivity. Conversely, Nagas can also invict disease, obstacles and natural diasasters when displeased or angersome! Naga Puja is mainly performed to appease Nagas that one may have offended or please Nagas that are active in areas where one wishes to live, work or conduct business for a living! Sponsors of Naga pujas should observe strict vegetarianism one day before and on the day of the puja as said to cleanse themselves, as Nagas are said to detest meat and alcohol! If puja is done correctly, it is said that one’s presence, wealth, fame, health, merits will improve, good weather, resources, peace and prosperity are said to be abound, obstacles and sicknesses will be eliminated and one’s practice and wishes are said to be easily accomplished!
Thank you Rinpoche for such a comprehensive article. Not only are we exposed to the nature, significance and temperaments of the Nagas, we are also reminded on the necessity to be mindful and respectful to Nagas (and all other sentient beings for that matter) whom we are sharing this space with. The consequences of offending the Nagas can be very severe regardless of whether it was done intentionally or unknowingly and thus, it is very helpful to know what are the symptoms to look out for. In addition, the relevant prayer is also included for our benefit so we would know how to appease them if the situation requires us to do so.
This is a very useful and practical piece of sharing as many people are ignorant of the existence of Nagas or even if they know of them have very little knowledge on them and their likes and dislikes. Whilst we are living in samsara it’s better we know who are our “neighbours” as we may unknowingly harm or disturb them resulting in us getting harmed or ill. Looking at the list of the negative consequences, they are very common illnesses and conditions which can happen to anyone of us. For some we cannot find the reason and it’s good we know now that they can come about from Nagas as well. If such things happen we are also given a solution here – the prayers to appease and apologise to the Nagas.
One more point to note is that the Nagas are highly respected by the Buddha. They were assigned to protect the precious teachings of the Madhamyka , teachings of the Middle way to realise Emptiness, which is one of the key gateway to achieving Enlightment. This is clearly explained in the story of Nagarjuna.
Thank you Rinpoche for this interesting article.
Wow! Naga are such powerful beings!!
In Eastern cultures especially the Chinese, the Nagas or Dragons or “Lungs” has always been part of the culture. So much so that the Chinese has always been regarding themselves as the “descendants of the dragons”. What this means, I am not exactly sure but Nagas are definitely closely linked to Chinese culture.
In South East Asia, the 9 Dragon Kings are widely propitiated for health, peace and wealth and it is consistent that followers need to observe a strict vegetarian diet especially during the “9 Dragon Kings” festival from the 1st to the 9th on the 9th Lunar month. And during these nine days of the festival, there will be heavy rain.
Strange but true…about the rain.
This write up really make me gain more knowledge on Naga Realm.In Buddhism, compassion to every sentient beings(seen or unseen) is the key element for us to achieve higher attainment.
Prayers or Puja to be done to appease Naga which we might offended them unintentionally.Besides that, the Puja also appease others beings also.
Thanks Rinpoche for sharing this informative write up to benefit us.
With folded hands
Jason
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for sharing this with us. Naga is known to be very easily offended if we not careful with our actions. They are powerful unseen beings that can cause actual harm to us.
Choji-la had performed a Naga Puja during his stay in Kechara Forest Retreat and I am fortunate enough to be there. Choji-la also gave us an oral transmission of the mantra of Chenrezig Simhanada.
Humbly,
Chris Chong
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you very much for sharing and caring for so many of us who are ignorant about the existence of other beings and that we must respect other beings’ dwelling.
I can now share with friends, family members and associates when land clearing works, or any construction works that disturbs the geology of land we must appease nagas and make offerings so as not to offend their abode.
Thank you very much Your Emminence.
Humbly yours,
Lum Kok Luen
I found the thangkha depicting the palace where the King of Nagas recide very interesting and thought-provoking. It has none other than Bodhisattva Simhanada on the top floor.
Nagas have always been closely related to the Wisdom of Emptiness or “Sunyata” as taught by Buddha Shakyamuni to the Nagas, of which Dorje Shugden is now its main protector.
The Nagas kept the teachings in the form of the Prajnaparamita Sutras until Acharya Nagarjuna, who travelled to the Naga Kingdom to teach, and in turn retrieved the Prajnaparamita Sutras from the Nagas.
Acharya Nagarjuna is of course “the” exponent-teacher of the Wisdom lineage after which his students Buddhapalita and Chandrakirti continued propogating the lineage through extensive commenteries on Nagarjuna’s body of writings including the Mulamadhyamakakarika.
A long time later and after the practice of the Dharma had degenerated, it was Je Tsongkhapa who, after having direct confirmation from Bodhisattva Manjushri the Bodhisattva of Wisdom himself, studied and took especially Buddhapalita’s commentaries and very successfully revived the stainless teachings from the Prajnaparamita Sutras.
Tsongkhapa’s teacher Dondrub Rinchen had also encouraged him to study the five texts of Maitreya, especially the Abhisamayālaṅkāra or “Ornament of/for Realizations” which is also a summary of the Prajnaparamita Sutras.
Now, Bodhisattva Simhanada is an emanation of Avalokiteshvara. The Srimaladevi Simhanada Sutra also teaches and clarifies the Tathagatagarbha Sutras’ view of “Sunyata”. No wonder he resides on the top floor of the palace!
Now I know why Je Tsongkhapa is both an emanation of Manjushri and Avalokiteshvara (plus Vajrapani). Both are champions of elucidating the Wisdom of Emptiness. Indeed it is said that Bodhisattva Simhanada and Je Tsongkhapa are of the same mindstream!
I also remember the story about Kumbum Monastery which was built near Tsongkha, Tsongkhapa’s birthplace. Tsongkhapa’s father had taken his placenta and buried it where Kumbum Monastery now stands and a sandalwood tree had grown on that same spot.
This tree became known as the “Tree of Great Merit” and the the leaves and the bark of this tree were reputed to bear impressions of the Buddha’s face and various mystic syllables including Simhanada.
Dear Rinpoche
Thank you for this interesting and useful post about apology to the Naga. I have been interested in the Naga since I read about the story of Nagarjuna; how the Naga princes attended his teachings and eventually invited him to the Naga realm to give Dharma talk.
If the Nagas are appreciative of the Dharma they sure have some degree of wisdom and compassion. I found it interesting that they are offended when students break samaya with their teacher.
Valentina
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this blog article on Naga. I learn more than the close connection of Naga with our environment, how the actions we did, especially damage or destroy the environment can have impact on Naga and ourselves. Many might have read about the stories about Naga rules the ocean, control the weather in some Chinese stories like Journey to the West..and from this teaching on Naga, it proved that drought or flood or natural disasters which always mentioned as signs of Naga is not pleased, is not something make up of.
By knowing some of the consequences of such as natural disasters, accidents or illness are caused by our ignorance, after we did some destructive actions to the environment or live in disharmony; one can avoid repeating the harmful actions, thus to avoid bringing further harm to ourself in future. Knowing the root of problem is therefore important, and having the solution to remend the situation is even more important. Thus, by translating and providing the important prayer of ‘‘Lu’i Pang Kong’ to make apology and amendment to Naga realm is very compassionate, for us to do the prayer when neccessary. Thank you Rinpoche for the teaching and prayer text.
Thank you Rinpoche for this post on the Nagas and for the translation of the prayer “Apology to the Naga Realm”.
The Nagas and their abodes and dwelling places need to be respected . If there is construction being carried out, we need to be very careful and mindful. Nagas will only react and retaliate when their waterways are polluted and the flora and fauna of their abode and environment are destroyed in woodlands and forests. They have tremendous powers to hurt and harm those who are karmically linked to them. They can control the weather, and when displeased they can cause severe droughts or floods.
They can cause disharmony too. THey can also cause accidents,skin disease(especially leprosy) and cancer when they are offended, especially to those with karmic connections from past lives.
Hence it is good to make offerings and prayers of apology to appease them.
They are disgusted with humans who eat meat as it involves killing of animals. They consider these humans to be unclean. There is a story of how two Naga princes who visited Nagarjuna ( the great philospher who gave us the Middle View of Emptiness) in the human realm, had to anoint themselves with sandlewood as they were revolted by the scent of humans. Hence the Nagas are very clean. Furthermore, they cannot stand the smell of alcohol or other intoxicants, and are offended when people break their samaya with their gurus.
Thus we should learn to be careful and not to harm or offend them or disturb or destroy their environment and abodes..Creating negative karma with them doesn’t end with this life.
Thank you Rinpoche for this precious teaching. In Malaysia many a time when constructions are being done and lands cleared mysterious illness will either befall the workers or machineries abruptly fail. This is timely so Buddhist will know how to first recognise then use the required antidote prescribed by Rinpoche. For the Hindus they pray the goddess Mariamman for protection which you also can see Nagas hovering above her crown. Indeed we are blessed to know what to do and what sutras to recite due to Rinpoche’s kindness. With folded hands.
thank you rinopoché. Naga’s of Tibet, are they not feeling disturbed, ill, maybe angry and other words about what happens to their rivers and land. Even to the population and yaks! I did read 100.000 killed.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this prayer for us to do if we need to appease Nagas if we have accidentally offended them. When I grow up, I have always heard the elders said don’t simply throw things in the jungle/forest, and also don’t simply pee. I think I grow up with a culture of making peace with nagas.
What I like about Buddhism is the nature of accepting and compassion. Nagas are samsara beings with their own karma, and they are too suffering like us. We have our problems, and so have they. We are all sharing the same world, and therefore, it is better to get along well. I have heard about other religions that they will do rituals to get rid of beings which disturbed us (the human).
Thank you Rinpoche for teaching on Nagas, the beings that belongs to the animal realms with subtle bodies & very potent. They like water, clean and do not like meat. They are very fond of Cherenzig (Kuan Yin) and it is good for us to recite Cherenzig Mantra (Om Mani Padme Hung) for them. They were very powerful as they can control weather, cause skin diseases/ cancers or causing disharmony within our lives or even death.
When we are building Kechara Forest Retreat, there are Naga Pujas done on the land in order to appease the nagas and for the smooth construction work. What I learn from here is the Buddhist compassion way to make peace with beings already reside in a place. We do not take refuge to them nor harm them, but respect them while sending puja and compassion thoughts for them.
Last year, in KFR, I have the blessings to be involved and attended the Lutor Lusang (Naga) Pujas done by the 7th Panglung Oracle (Chojela). There are a lot of preparation works to do the LuKhang (Naga’s abode), torma and offerings for the puja. During the process, we also need to be vegetarian before and after the puja and also be very clean in our preparation work. The puja is about 3.5 hours with Chenrezig Singahananda prayer too. The best part is we also received the oral transmission of Chenrezig Singahananda Mantra (OM AH HRIH SING HANANDA HUM PHAT) from Chojela. If you would like to know more about the Naga puja, you may look at the photo album by Vajrasecrets FB : https://www.facebook.com/139469509441445/photos/?tab=album&album_id=836353709753018
Attached are some of the pictures:
1. LuKhang & the offerings
2. A sneak peek of the interior of the Naga’s abode.
3. Chenrezig Singhananda, also known as Lion’s Roar Avalokiteshvara, he is the activity manifestation of Chenrezig. His Puja can cure Naga caused diseases and purify negative emotions as a result of negative karmic activities and deeds.
4. Chojela was doing puja & offerings
Dear Rinpoche
Thank you Rinpoche for the sharing on Naga.
This blog post remind us to always be mindful, not to pollute the environment when we go to nature places such as waterfall and riverside.
And although Naga is not a sentient being that we should take refuge in, but as a Buddhist we should respect and be compassionate to everyone including Naga.
Last year we are so fortunate to have the 7th Panglung Kuten to perform a Naga puja at Kechara Forest Retreat. The building of Kechara Forest Retreat involved new land development, thus the offering to Naga through puja is necessary because we might affect their land.
Again thank you Rinpoche for sharing out the Puja text so that we can do the puja when necessary.
Thank you
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing the Naga prayer with us. Sometimes we might accidentally offend the Nagas without realising because we are not able to see them. It is good to know that Nagas are not aggressive beings, unless we offended them, otherwise they will not harm us. If we are going to have construction works on a land, it is hight advisable to recite this prayer. Rinpoche explained before that there are beings who have resided in a place long before we come, we should show our respect to them by doing puja to appease them or to ‘inform’ them of what we are going to do in their ‘house’. It is a courtesy, no one walks into someone’s house without informing.
Dear Rinpoche,
Have read what Rinpoche has written. Would very much like to read it because I like to know their realms, their legions or their Kings and how they are connected to us. However, certain things must be observed such as having strict vegetarian diet even one day prior to recitation. Just like the Naga puja that I’ve attended last year in KFR. Perhaps I can do it during my retreat? As I was reading this, I was somehow a bit relief as this Sutra does not have any restrictions like those tantra text (such as Guhyasamaja. )
Thank you Rinpoche for the explanation on Naga realms; i.e. who they are, in what form they exist, how do we co-exist with them in the same space, and the remedy should we, due to our carelessness, have caused harm or pain on them and now suffering the consequences. Naga dwells in areas where there is abundance of water, they are protective towards the flora and fauna that enrich their surroundings, and they are very particular about cleanliness and vegetarianism. Now that we understand the habit of Naga, and since we share the same dwelling with them, it is only polite to extend the respect and mindfulness that they deserve as another sentient being. Thank you Rinpoche for this teaching.
At the end of the day, we just have to bear in mind the basic teachings of kindness, awareness, mindfulness, patience and generosity and gratitude.
We have to be mindful and aware of our actions when in other’s territory and to land where we think belongs to no one. We are just not aware and mindful that we humans beings are not the only beings on this earth. Just as in the human realms, we can have really nice neighbors or some really sensitive ones.
So, the list of symptoms will help us realise whether we have offended a Naga and what remedy we can take to rectify the situation.
Thank you, Rinpoche for showing us the way to recognise and remedy this particular situation.
May Rinpoche have stable health and long life. May Rinpoche’s wishes manifest smoothly and swiftly.
This is an interesting article on Nagas and their character. It is amazing how closely we are integrated with the Nagas as they live very closely to us. They could affect us physically if unpleased and give us the riches if they are happy. However it is difficult for us as we can’t really see them nor have the clairvoyance of knowing if we had offended them. As I learn more of the Nagas, I would say we will need to apply more mindfulness of our actions, especially not to pollute the natural environment nor eat meat or seafood.
Chojela was very kind to give us the Chenrezig mantra transmission to appease the Nagas. Nagas seem to have an affinity for the Dharma and especially to Buddha Chenrezig’s prayers. Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this eye opening article on the Nagas.
Wherever we are, we will need to be aware of what we do and not simply do anything to disturb the Naga, if any. Now we know that the Naga does not like messiness or pollute the environment. Once the Naga is disturbed, then the consequences may be very bad that may cause unexplained death because the Nagas can be quite petty and unforgiving.
A Naga puja was performed in Kechara Forest Retreat last year by Chojila. The puja was done to appease the Nagas in Kechara Forest Retreat and because we are currently building and clearing the land, so that our projects will go on smoothly.
You remembered that Chojela performed the Naga pujas. I recall it to be a Lutor and Lusang. Lutor is the puja principly relying on Chenrezig Singatra and making torma offerings to the 9 naga kings. This is done by constructing a portable naga palace made of leaves and flowers. There are the 9 pictures of the naga kings within and tormas are offered to them.
At the end of the puja, the naga palace is carried and left near a body of water. In our case, it was near the Chamang waterfall. Lusang is a special offering of incense to appease the nagas. The incense has to be a specific incense that does not contain any animal products. By the way, on top of the oral transmissions of various mantras by Rinpoche, Chojela himself gave us the Chenrezig Singatra mantra transmission as well.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this article to us. I do remember that there was once one of our friends who was possessed by a Naga spirit many years ago and it took him many months to just show some improvement from his purification practice to appease the Naga spirit but when he was about to show improvement then he went to eat meat and his condition went from bad to worse and that was the last we saw of him. I still remember the incident until these days and until now i am always trying to be careful wherever i go to especially places mentioned above where Nagas always resides. From this article also we got to know that we should always maintain cleanliness in our surroundings so that we don’t incur Nagas’ anger and cause unnecessary harm to ourselves.
Nagas are particularly closely related to Chenrezig. As a kid, Rinpoche used to do a lot of Chenrezig mantra at Turkey Swamp, by the lake, and later on, we found out from a nun during a work trip to USA that in that lake, where Rinpoche did the mantra and visualisation of Chenrezig coming out of the waters, lived a naga. We found it so amazing, that as a kid, no one told Rinpoche, but instinctively Rinpoche just did loads and loads of Chenresig mantra there. Here is an account of Rinpoche’s visualisation by the lake at Turkey Swamp:
“From the centre of the lake in my imaginations, a Four Armed Avalokiteshvara (Lokeshvara) would be under the water sitting on a lotus calmly. I would chant Om Mani Peme Hung and ‘call’ to Him. He would hear me and very slowly rise out of the water. It was a gentle rising. As He rose, the waters would slowly cascade off of Him and he would be dry. His holy face would be facing down with four arms as He rose… His left hand held a mala (from our side), right hand a lotus and two hands folded at his heart with a wishfulfilling jewel. His majestic black hair would cascade down his shoulders and the other half tied up on his head bejewelled. He would wear princely silken clothes covering partially the upper portion of His body and a silk skirt the bottom. He would be sitting in full lotus posture on top of a gentle large brilliant pink lotus. His body was white like yoghurt/snow and shiny and brilliant. Millions of light rays would shine out from His holy body suffusing the area and me.. I would do this visualization and hold it. I would recite His mantra furiously and pray to be in communion with Him. To be blessed and one with Him. As I did this, I would visualize His face very very slowly looking up and then facing me. His face was like a polished mirror with the sun reflecting from it….it was so bright that I could hardly look into it. When he faced me from the middle of the lake and I saw His holy face directly gentle, calm and perfect, I would be filled with happiness, tingles all over my body, joy, forgiveness and I had no problems. I would ‘feel’ lights from His face shining directly towards me and filling my body and I would tingle all over. I would sometimes be in tears as I ‘communed’ with the Arya Lokeshvara, the Mahasattva of Great Compassion in this way… I wanted to be like Him, full of love, compassion, forgiveness, courage and acceptance. As the light shone from His holy visage to me, I would chant His mantra and hold this visualization as long as I can. I was around 11-12 years old at the time I think…”
From:
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/me/avalokiteshvara-turkey-swamp-marc-me.html
I heard some stories related to Naga from a Lama that:
1. It’s said that whether one is affected by Nagas or not depends on one’s “luck”. For example, if two people are walking through the forest and one of them offends a Naga, the Naga may not be able to see the offending person if their luck is good, hence the Naga may exact revenge on the other person whose luck is bad.
2. Nagas are also prone to fear. For example two people going through the forest, one of them has an axe and the other does not. If the person with the axe cuts down a tree and offends a Naga in the process, the Naga may attack the other person (who does not have an axe) because it is afraid of the person with the axe.
3. Nagas’ characters are miserliness and pettiness. There was once when Naga took trance on the lay person and was giving out blessed rice, the Naga broke the a grain of rice into 4 parts and gave away, this shows the characters of Naga.
This is an interesting article to read.
I remembered when we first acquired the land for Kechara Forest Retreat. There was a lot of pujas done for the nagas who resides in the land before any construction done. Even after that, the naga puja continues to appease them so no mishaps in the land.
I remembered there was a case, there was a young man who suspected was possess. He came to see Rinpoche many years ago. When I saw him the first time, I was really frightened as his face was extremely not normal and extremely fidgety. Plus he had very bad skin problems. Rinpoche immediately told him that he has offended a naga and asked him whether he visited a waterfall recently. The boy admitted he visited a waterfall. Rinpoche prescribed him to do some retreat and the most important to stay away from meat and seafood. He followed initially and was getting better but after awhile later, his close friend reported to us that he started to eat seafood and meat again and the problem got worst. There are also cases where Rinpoche has prescribed retreat for students or friends who has offended nagas and they have the above symptoms as written in the article, these people followed and they were “cured” . As I am typing this, there is a close friend who was one of them and she is sitting opposite me now.
Thank you for the above article.
Thank You Rinpoche for sharing this information. There are a lot of spirits or local deities around us (living together with us). We should not disturb or harm them, however, a lot of us (including me) disturbed or offended them without realizing due to ignorance. For instance, I think a lot of fishermen might worship the Naga with meat. It could be offending the Naga.
In general (regardless of Naga),we need to save to world by taking less meat and be green. Our world pollution is up to intolerable level. I wish more people can be more alert and be more friendly to the world; help others and help us. Save the mother earth.
Thank You Rinpoche.
Cheers,
Soon Huat
Thank you Rinpoche for this highlight on Nagas, I would like to share some experiences on this. Many years ago I was following a guru, she use to come to Malaysia very often and during one of her many visit the guru decided to purchase a piece of uncultivated land on top of a hill in the west coast of Penang.
She wanted to turn this land into a meditation center, we were informed to help clear this land and we constantly travelled to Penang almost every weekend to complete the assigned task. We did not do any prayers before clearing the land to appease the unseen spirits residing within that environment because we do not have any ideas on how to go about it. What was taught to us is just meditation however many things happened. On one occasion I was stung by a bee right below my eyelid when clearing the land, trees were felled without supervision, there was constant disagreement and anger thrown at each other. There was frequent cars breakdown without reason, on one occasion while travelling back from Penang after our duties while in the car I had a very heated argument with a fellow truth seeker whom I was very close with and it happened over some very trivial matter. Our friendship ended that day and neither of us try to resolve the matter or mend the friendship.
My relationship with my girlfriend turned sour and finally dissolved because of my constant travelling to the land, not long after that one of the the member passed away, another member’s death followed not long after that and it shocked us because this guy is young and very healthy as he works in a construction site. Very spooky and unbelievable to say the least but I believe that nagas, spirits and entities are found in these places and respect need to be accorded when visiting their domain.
Thanks for sharing Sonny Tan. I wouldn’t have know better either but at least now we do.
That is amazing. Fear of a entity. That Is why I deal with GOD. Sadly the world is in serious trouble which you just might see in the next few months. It will not be from a Nagas. Everyone has their level of food and what they will eat. It has nothing to do with karma as Moses created many laws on what you can eat. Now Jesus said it is not what you put into your body but what comes out. Praying to a little god for what? Every single person will die within 125 years and many won’t make it past 80. There is a reason for that. No matter how hard you pray you will still die. What I find interesting why people want to live in Hell and stay in it. Reincarnation is not a gift, it is a curse. For people that don’t know the higher realms beyond the astral world are incredible. The Bardo is not where you have to go. But people follow programs and that will lead many people that way.
Then if you don’t believe in a real God guess you are under the laws of the lesser deities. The first recognized race with a religion was from India which sent people to Tibet. Then again they changed the deities they worshiped. Do people want the truth I truly don’t think so. They want to hide from the truth and dream their way to LaLa land.
You would think after 400,000 years you might see some spiritual people on planet earth yet you do not. OH right many people think they are and say they are. Now like Buddha Boy. Telling the world about nature and animals. Really the Native people did they and they were cut from 50 million to less then one million right now. The same as Tibet now taken over by Tibet. If that was my truth is would die by it as well as many killed themselves for the D. Lama living every where else other then with His people. I know he will be killed. Jesus could have run but He did not. But he also proved reincarnation is not the only way.
Sorry Tommy, I don’t get what you are trying to say.