Great Ocean of Lamrim
Lecture No. 0407
Date: 16 Jun 2022
Topic: The Tale of Venerable Maudgalyayana: Subduing the Naga Kings (II)
From that time onward, on the fifteenth, twenty-third, and the last day of each month, the two naga kings would assume their true naga forms at night. And during the day? They would take on human form – where would they go? They made their way to the World-Honored One, bowing at his feet and observing the eight precepts. Whenever they journeyed from Mount Meru to Śrāvastī, on the left and right side of the roads would be lined with soldiers and guards, so numerous that they filled the entire space, all of them were the naga king's guards. [00:45]
One day, the two naga kings assumed the appearance of venerable elders and went to the Buddha to hear the Dharma. Take notice! Who did they encounter? King Prasenajit, who was also on his way to the Buddha’s residence. When King Prasenajit arrived at the entrance of the Buddha’s residence, he first sent his attendant ahead to see who was present with the World-Honored One. The attendant entered, bowed at the Buddha’s feet, and saw two elders seated before him, listening attentively to the teachings. Returning to King Prasenajit, he reported, “Your Majesty, there are two elders in the presence of the World-Honored One.” All knew that the Kshatriya caste held noble status and exuded conceit. So, as King Prasenajit prepared to meet the World-Honored One, he thought to himself, “Surely, when I appear before the World-Honored One, no one would dare to remain seated without rising in respect!” Then, he mused, “Those two elders must be my countrymen. Let me see if they have the audacity to be disrespectful to me!” With that thought, King Prasenajit entered. [02:03]
As the two naga kings saw the king approaching from a distance, they respectfully turned to the World-Honored One and asked, “Venerable One, we see the king drawing near. How should we conduct ourselves? Should we remain seated out of reverence for the Dharma, or should we rise to show respect for the king?” The Buddha replied, “All Buddhas, World-Honored Ones, and Arhats honor the Dharma!” [02:30]
Then, because of this cause and condition, the World-Honored One spoke these three verses: “All Buddhas of the past, And those yet to arise, As well as the present Lords—All who have ended suffering—Hold the Dharma in highest esteem.” “In speech, in action, and in stillness, At all times, without fail, They venerate the true Dharma.” “Therefore, those who seek true benefit, Who aspire to joy and fortune, Should likewise revere the Dharma, And remain ever mindful of the Buddha’s teaching.” What is the meaning of these three verses? That is, the Buddhas of the past, Buddhas of the present, and Buddhas of the future, are able to eliminate all worries and afflictions. When they are speaking, walking, or sitting quietly at all times and in all places, they hold the true Dharma in reverence. Therefore, those who seek benefits, abundance, or happiness should likewise honor the Dharma and constantly reflect upon its essence. [03:41]
After hearing the Buddha’s words, the two naga kings remained seated when King Prasenajit approached, showing no outward sign of deference. Upon seeing this, the king thought, “These two elders are citizens of my country; why did they show not the slightest respect for me when they saw me arrive!” Therefore, the king developed intense anger and hatred toward them, as though gripped by the searing coils of rage. [04:13]
After bowing at the Buddha’s feet, the king sat before the World-Honored One as usual. The World-Honored One knew that the king was harboring anger, so he spoke about other things instead of teaching the Dharma to the king. The king therefore implored the World-Honored One, saying, “Great Master, I hope you can teach me the Dharma.” In response, the Buddha recited a verse for him: “If one lacks a pure mind, and harbors resentment and hatred, one cannot understand the subtle and wondrous Dharma, taught by all Buddhas. Subdue the mind of strife and contention, as well as impure intentions, and eliminate anger and harm, then one can understand the Dharma of all Buddhas.” Meaning: If a person does not have a pure mind, but instead harbors hatred, he will not be able to understand the subtle and wondrous Dharma taught by the Buddhas; if one can subdue the mind of conflict and also eliminate hostility, the intention to harm, and impure mental activity, only then can one understand the Dharma taught by the Buddhas. [05:32]
When King Prasenajit heard this verse spoken by the Buddha, he thought to himself. “It’s because of those two elders that the World-Honored One is not teaching me the Dharma today! Just because of those two, my time listening to the World-Honored One's Dharma has been interrupted too. Just wait and see!” The king then left his seat and ordered his attendants. “There are two elders beside the Buddha, you must wait, and when they take their leave of the Buddha and walk outside the door, seize the opportunity to cut off both their heads!” [06:09]
Do you remember when these two naga kings came, they brought many of their attendants？They were Nanda and Upananda! When they came to the side of the World-Honored One during the day，their procession of attendants stretched from Mount Meru all the way to Śrāvastī, lining the entire path; those were their troops! [06:29]
The moment the two naga kings’ armies and attendants heard the king’s command, they were struck with shock, then ignited with fury. They turned to one another and discussed among themselves. “We have the power to crush mountains and drain the oceans dry. What kind of ability does this king have? How dare he utters such insolence!” Then suddenly, dark clouds began to gather across the sky，and the naga kings' forces began to unleash thunderbolts and hailstones. This was really frightening - and after unleashing thunder, lightning and hail, they began to unleash knives, cudgels, whirling sword-wheels, spears and other such weapons. [07:14]
When these weapons had not yet struck the ground──pay attention! This was like a slow-motion shot, slowed down - they had already descended, but before they reached the ground, the World-Honored One instantly perceived the danger. He immediately told Great Mahāmaudgalyāyana, “Quickly! Focus your mind on King Prasenajit and all beings in this city!” Immediately following the Buddha’s command, Great Venerable Maudgalyāyana entered the samādhi of boundless compassion. Wow! What would happen when the Venerable entered meditation? Due to the special effect of entering meditation, all the weapons in the sky had changed！What had they become？ They turned into flowers of the heavenly realm, such as Utpala flowers, Padma flowers, Kumuda flowers, Pundarika flowers, Mandara flowers, and so on, gently drifting down and then landing on the ground. All the way until King Prasenajit returned to the imperial palace, heavenly flowers gently descended from the sky everywhere. Beautiful, right? Very beautiful! [08:26]
The king was utterly astounded, exclaiming that he had never seen anything like it before！So, he summoned his imperial consorts, princes, and ministers for a meeting. Even the Brahmins were summoned and common folks came too, because this event was so extraordinary! The king then asked everyone, “As I was returning from Jetavana Grove to the palace, I saw heavenly flowers raining down，something I have never seen before. Whose power caused this?” [08:56]
At that time, there were some people who were very good at flattering the king, and they said, “Ah！This is because Your Majesty governs the country in accordance with the Dharma and does not arbitrarily impose harsh laws on your subjects, which has moved the heavenly beings to joyfully shower down heavenly flowers!” The king said, “I often govern the country in accordance with the Dharma, so this must be the fruit of my own merit!” Then, the palace maidens chimed in. “It is because we serve you alone, Your Majesty the King, with utmost chastity, having completely eliminated impure thoughts toward other men. The heavenly beings, perceiving our purity with admiration, sent these auspicious signs.” The crown prince added, “Surely, it is due to my filial devotion, devoting myself wholeheartedly to honor and serve my parents with utmost sincerity, that the spirits were moved, thereby manifesting this auspicious event.” The ministers declared, “It is because we follow Your Majesty’s edict, helping to educate citizens of the entire country, resulting in flowers raining from the sky.” The Brahmin proclaimed, “It is because I respectfully make offerings to heaven and earth in accordance with the four seasons, without tainting my pure conduct, that these fresh flowers have appeared.” [10:18]
Whose turn is it? The mighty generals. The mighty generals said, “It is because when the country faced a powerful rebel army, we faithfully carried out Your Majesty’s orders, first leading the army to suppress the rebellion and calming everyone’s panic, that we experienced this extraordinary response.” The common folks said, “It is because we personally cultivate the land, make offerings to Your Majesty on time, and pay national taxes. The gods, to show that they know we are hardworking, sent down these heavenly blossoms.” [10:56]
The king listened and listened, but when he heard everyone claiming credit, he actually became a little suspicious. He thought, “Such a wondrous phenomenon is truly something I've never seen before! Whose merit is this？These people said: ‘It is our strength’, ‘It is my strength’. Everyone has different opinions; I don't know whose power it is. Ah, the Buddha! The Buddha, The World-Honored One knows all and sees all, possessing supreme authority over wisdom and insight. I should go ask the World-Honored One, and whatever the Buddha says, I will believe.” [11:42]
At this point, King Prasenajit filled the hem of his garment with celestial blossoms and mounted his elephant, making his way outside of Jetavana Grove. After that, he dismounted from the elephant, and walked towards the World-Honored One. Bowing reverently at the World-Honored One’s feet, he took his seat respectfully to one side. He recounted all that had occurred just as it had unfolded, holding nothing back. [12:09]
After listening, the World-Honored One spoke: “Great King, these celestial blossoms did not arise through your power, nor through the virtue of your consorts, princes, ministers, or people. They were the manifestation of Great Mahāmaudgalyāyana’s extraordinary power. Great King! If Maudgalyayana had not gone to observe, had not been compassionate, in no time, the king and people of Shravasti would all have turned to dust! It was through his boundless compassion and profound meditative concentration that heavenly flowers filled everywhere. Therefore, O King, you and your ministers and common people should all wholeheartedly revere Great Mahāmaudgalyāyana with sincere devotion and make offerings to him.” [12:52]
At this time, King Prasenajit asked, “World-Honored One! Why do you say that it was the noble Venerable Maudgalyāyana who saved me and my people, my court, and the entire city from being reduced to dust? Why is such great kindness not credited to you, World-Honored One, or to your other disciples?” The Buddha replied, “O King! This was not through my power, nor that of any other śrāvaka disciple. It was Maudgalyāyana’s alone. If Your Majesty is in doubt, take the celestial blossoms inside your robe, cast them upon the ground and take a look.” The king did as the Buddha said and cast the flowers on the ground. In an instant, all those flowers changed, turning into knives, sword wheels, and long lance which is a kind of long spear. [13:43]
The king turned pale with terror, feeling very frightened and astonished. The king asked the Buddha, “World-Honored One, where did these weapons come from?” The Buddha replied, “Great King, have you forgotten? Earlier, you spoke vicious words out of hatred and ordered your subordinates to kill the two naga kings, Nanda and Upananda. At that time, the naga kings’ subordinates became furious when they heard what you said, so they raised dense dark clouds and rained down a heavy shower of knives, swords and long spears from the sky. At that time, Mahamaudgalyāyana, perceiving the danger, immediately entered the samādhi of boundless compassion. In order to prevent Your Majesty, your ministers and people from being smashed to pieces, he turned all the weapons into heavenly flowers, making you all so happy!” [14:36]
The king said, “World-Honored One! I have never even seen these two naga kings before. How could I have possibly sent people to kill them?” The Buddha replied, “O King, since you cannot remember, I will help you recall. O King! Don't you remember that there were two elders here with me before? Do you remember that when they saw you, they did not rise to pay their respects, so you became angry and ordered your subordinates to kill them?” “I remember,” the king said. The Buddha said, “Those two elders were the naga kings. Because they wanted to hear the Dharma, they assumed human form and came here.” The king asked, “World-Honored One! They were not angered, were they?” The Buddha replied, “O King！Both of them were not angered，but their subordinates were thoroughly furious.” The king said, “My mortal eyes failed to recognize the divine dragons, making such a mistake! What should I do now?” [15:44]
The Buddha said, “You must offer repentance before the two naga kings.” The king said, “They dwell on Mount Meru, and I live in the kingdom of Magadha. The distance is vast. How can I repent before them?” The Buddha replied, “On the eighth day of each month, and on Uposatha days, the two naga kings will definitely come here to hear the Dharma. O King, you must come too, then I will tell you who the naga kings are, and you can ask them for forgiveness.” “When I beg them for forgiveness,” asked the king, “must I prostrate at their feet?” The Buddha replied, “O King！There is no need to prostrate in reverence at their feet. You should extend your right hand, go before them and say: ‘Naga Kings! I have spoken offensive words. I am asking for your forgiveness. Please, both Naga Kings, please pardon me!’” The king said, “As the Buddha instructs！I should do so.” Then, after prostrating at the Buddha’s feet, he returned to his palace. [16:54]
【广海明月 讲次: 0407】
讲次 | 0407 (2022-02-28 ~ 2022-03-02)
标题 | 目犍连尊者降伏龙王的故事（二）
(更新日期: 2022年6月16日)
00:00
那两位龙王从那之后，在每个月的十五日、二十三日，以及月底的那几天，就会在晚上恢复龙王的本来样子。那白天呢？白天它们就变成了人的样子，去哪儿了？就去世尊前面顶礼世尊，而且还受持八关斋戒。每次它们从须弥山来到室罗伐城的时候，在道路左右都会布满龙王的士兵卫队，多到充满虚空，全部都是龙王的侍卫。00:45
有一天，龙王变成了长者的样子到佛前听法──注意喔！是两位龙王──它们遇到谁了呢？就遇到了胜光大王，他也到佛陀的住处了。当胜光大王到了精舍的门口的时候，就先命令他的侍从官进去看看有谁在佛陀旁边呢？胜光大王的侍从进去顶礼了佛陀的双足之后，看到了两位长者在佛前听法，于是就回到胜光大王旁边禀告：“大王！有两位长者在世尊前。”大家知道刹帝利种是很高贵的种姓，他们是有增上慢的，所以当这位国王要到世尊面前的时候，会心想：“我到世尊面前的时候，没有哪些人不会向我起立致意吧？”然后想：“那两位长者一定是我国的人，我就要看看他们见到我之后敢不敢不恭敬我！”于是胜光王就进门去了。02:03
当两位龙王远远地看到国王来时，就请问世尊说：“大德！弟子们看到了国王来了，是不是要有所作为呢？弟子是要为了恭敬法的缘故，继续坐着听法，还是为了恭敬国王而起立呢？”世尊说：“诸佛世尊以及阿罗汉们都是恭敬法的！”02:30
于是世尊因为这个因缘，说了三个偈子：“若过去诸佛，及以未来者，现在诸世尊，能断一切忧，皆共尊敬法。言说及行住，常于一切时，尊重于正法。是故求益者，欲希富盛乐，应当尊敬法，常思诸佛教。”这三个偈颂的意思是什么呢？是说过去的世尊、现在的世尊、未来的世尊，他们都能够断除一切的忧恼；他们在说话的时候、走路的时候、静坐着的时候，一切时处都恭敬所有的正法。所以想要利益的人、想要富饶的人、想要快乐的人们，应该要尊敬法，并且常常思惟佛法的要义。03:41
两位龙王听到佛陀这么说完之后，看到胜光王来的时候就没有起身，没有表达出恭敬的样子。结果国王看到了，就心想：“这两位长者是我国的人民，怎么看到我来的时候，一点恭敬我的样子都没有！”因此国王就对他们生起了强烈的嗔恨心，像被愤怒完全缠住一样。04:13
国王到了世尊面前顶礼了世尊的双足之后，还像往常一样坐在世尊的面前。世尊知道国王正在发嗔心，所以就讲了其他的话而没有为国王说法，国王因此就跟世尊请求说：“希望大师您可以为我说法！”佛陀就为他说了一个偈颂：“若无清净心，而怀嗔恨意，不能解诸佛，所说微妙法。降伏斗诤心，及以不净意，能除于忿害，方解诸佛法。”意思是说：如果一个人没有清净的心，反而怀着恨意的话，他是无法理解诸佛所说的微妙法的；如果能够降伏斗争的心，还能够除去愤恨、损害心及不清净的作意，这样才能理解诸佛所说的法。05:32
当胜光王听到佛说的这个偈子之后，心里就想：“就是因为那两个长者，导致世尊今天不为我说法；就凭他们两个，让我听世尊的法的时光也中断了，等着瞧吧！”于是国王就从座位上离开，然后命令左右说：“在佛陀旁边有两位长者，你们要等着，等他们告辞佛陀走到门外时，就趁机把他们两个的头砍了！”06:09
大家还记不记得，这两位龙王来的时候带着很多它们的侍从？就是难陀和邬波难陀，它们白天来到世尊旁边的时候，从须弥山上直到室罗伐城的整条路都是它们的侍从，就是它们的部队啊！06:29
那两位龙王的部队、随从们一下子听到国王这么说，全部都感到非常地惊愕，进而震怒了！它们就相互讨论说：“我们是有能力让高山粉碎、让大海倾泻干枯的，这个国王凭什么本事居然敢这么说！”于是天空中突然间就开始乌云密布，这些龙王的部队们就开始降下了雷电、冰雹──这个是很吓人的──而且雷电、冰雹降了降，就开始从天上降刀子啊、棍子啊、剑轮啊、长矛等等这种兵器。07:14
当这些兵器还没有砸到地面的时候──注意喔！这像一个慢镜头，放慢──它们已经降下来了，但还没有到地面的时候，世尊的心思立刻就知道了这件事情，然后就马上地告诉大目犍连说：“你应该要赶快忆念胜光大王，还有这个城里的有情！”大目犍连尊者就立刻遵照佛陀的命令，迅速进入慈心三摩地。哇！尊者一入定，会发生什么事呢？由于入定的特殊的作用，让天空的兵器全部都变了！变成什么样呢？变成是天界的那些花，比如说：邬波罗花、波昙摩花、拘牟陀花、芬陀利花、曼陀罗花等等的花冉冉飘下，然后落到了地上。一直到胜光王回到皇宫，满天都在冉冉地降落着天花。美吧？很美！08:26
国王觉得非常地惊奇，叹未曾有啊！于是就召集皇宫中的后妃、王子、大臣们开会了；还召集了婆罗门，老百姓也都来了，因为这个事情太稀有了！国王就问大家说：“我刚从逝多林回到皇宫的路上，看到了从未见过的天雨天花，不知道这件事是谁的威力造成的？”08:56
当时有一些很会跟国王讲好话的，他们就说：“啊！这个是因为大王您如法地治理国家，而且不随便地施加严酷的法令于臣民，才感动了天人们欢喜地降下天花的！”国王说：“我常常如法地治国，肯定是我的福报感得的吧！”然后皇宫里边的宫女们又说了：“是因为我们非常贞洁地侍奉国王您一人，对于其他的男子完全断除了邪念，天人们看到之后非常赞赏，所以发生了这般的瑞兆。”皇太子说：“是因为我尽心尽力地孝顺承侍父母亲，所以感动了神灵，才出现了这种吉祥的事情。”大臣们说：“是因为我们按照大王的教敕，协助教化全国的老百姓，导致了天雨天花。”婆罗门说：“是因为我顺应四季恭敬地祭祀天地，而且没有污损净行，所以才有这些鲜花出现。”10:18
该轮到谁了？威猛的将领。威猛的将领们说：“是因为国家有强大的叛军时，我们如法地执行了大王的命令，首先率领军队去平定，安抚了大家的恐慌，所以才有这种殊胜的感应。”民众们说了：“是因为我们亲力亲为地耕种，按时地供奉国王、上缴国税，神明们为了表达他们知道我们勤劳，所以洒下了天花。”10:56
国王就在听啊、听啊，听到了大家都说是自己的功劳，所以他反而有点怀疑了，他在想：“这么奇妙的现象真是从来没有看到过呀！不知道到底是谁的福德呢？这些人都各自说：‘是我们的力量’、‘是我的力量’，这样的话众说纷纭，就不知道是谁的力量。啊，佛陀！佛陀世尊证知一切、观见一切，对于智慧和所知拥有无上的权威，我应该要去请问世尊，佛陀说什么我就相信什么。”11:42
这时候，胜光王就用衣服的下摆装满了天花，骑着他的大象走到了祇园精舍外，然后又从大象上下来，徒步走向了世尊，顶礼了世尊的双足，然后坐到旁边，就把上面的事情一五一十地全部启白给了世尊。12:09
世尊听了之后，就说：“大王啊！这些天花不是因为大王的力量，也不是因为后妃、王子、大臣、百姓的威德而出现的，是因为大目犍连的威神之力啊！大王啊！假使目犍连不去观察、不悲悯你们的话，不一会儿的功夫，室罗伐城的国王及百姓就都会化为尘土啊！因由他的慈悲和甚深的定力，才让天花处处充满，所以你们大王、大臣和百姓都应该全心地信仰大目犍连、供养大目犍连。”12:52
这时胜光王说：“世尊！为什么说因为圣者目犍连让我自己及宫内、国城中的人们保住了性命，没有化为尘土？为什么这样的恩德不归功世尊您，也不是其他的弟子呢？”佛陀说：“大王！这不是我的力量，也不是其他声闻弟子，就是目犍连！大王如果怀疑的话，可以把衣服里面装的天花放到地上看一看。”于是国王就照佛说的，把花放到了地上。瞬间，那些花都变了，变成了刀、剑轮、长槊──就是一种长矛。13:43
国王看了大惊失色，感到很恐怖，也很愕然。国王请问佛陀说：“世尊！这些武器是从哪里来的？”佛陀说：“大王啊！你难道不记得了吗？你之前用嗔恨的心说了恶毒的话，下令让你的部下去杀害难陀、邬波难陀两位龙王。那时候，龙王所有的部属听到你说的话都怒不可遏，便兴起了浓密的乌云，在空中下起了刀、剑、长槊的大雨。那个时候大目犍连看见了，就马上入慈心定，为了不让你们王臣和百姓粉身碎骨，把兵器全变成了天花，让你们这么欢喜呀！”14:36
国王说：“世尊啊！我从来没有见过那两位龙王啊！我怎么可能会派人去杀害它们呀？”佛陀说：“国王啊！你想不起来了，那我帮你来回忆。大王！你难道不记得之前我这儿有两个长者？有没有想起来见到你的时候他们没有起身行礼，你就发怒，命令部下去杀害他们？”国王说：“我记得。”佛陀说：“那两位长者就是龙王啊！它们为了要听法，所以才化作人的形状到我这儿来的。”国王启白：“世尊！它俩没被惹恼了吧？”佛陀说：“大王啊！它俩是没被惹恼，倒是它们的部下被彻底惹恼了。”国王说：“我的肉眼不识神龙啊，居然犯了这种错！这下可怎么办呢？”15:44
佛陀说：“请你到两位龙王面前忏悔吧！”国王说：“它们住在须弥山，我住在摩揭陀国，距离那么遥远，我怎么忏悔呢？”佛陀说：“两位龙王每个月八日，还有长净日的时候，为了听法必定会来我这里。国王你也必须来，到时候我会告诉你谁是龙王，你可以请求它们的原谅。”国王说：“我求它们原谅的时候，要在它们的脚下顶礼吗？”佛陀说：“大王！不用在它们的足下顶礼，应该伸出右手，到它们面前说：‘两位龙王！我说了冒犯的话，请求您们的原谅，请两位龙王宽恕我吧！’”国王说：“谨奉佛教！我应当这么做的。”于是就顶礼了佛陀的双足后，回到皇宫去了。16:54