Great Ocean of Lamrim
Lecture No. 0406
Date: 03 Mar 2022
Topic: The Tale of Venerable Maudgalyayana: Subduing the Naga Kings (I)
Greetings, everyone! It is time once again for us to study the Lamrim text together. Today, I would like to share another Buddhist story - this one is about the two Naga kings, Nanda and Upananda. [00:17]
While residing at Jetavana Grove in Śrāvastī, the Buddha addressed the monks, "O Monks! You should dwell in secluded places, beneath trees, in deserted huts, on mountain slopes, in caves, grass shelters, open fields, charnel grounds, forests, or solitary dwellings. In such quiet abodes, cut off external distractions, calm your minds, and cultivate meditative concentration to uproot the defilements. Bhikshus! Be not heedless, lest you fall into regret. This is my true instruction.” Thus did the World-Honored One exhort the monks to renounce worldly clamor and engage in deep contemplation. [01:24]
After the World-Honored One delivered this teaching, the monks dispersed to practice in solitude, seeking out quiet retreat [Araṇya in Sanskrit], the shelter of trees, empty huts, mountain ravines, caves, thatched retreats, open plains, charnel grounds, dense woods, and remote dwellings. Some meditated: upon the terraces of Mount Meru, some amidst the seven encircling golden ranges, some beside the serene waters of Lake Anavatapta [the Unheated], while some near gentle streams and tranquil ponds, or even within cities, villages, kingdoms, borderlands, and royal compounds, suitable for [yogic] practitioners to practice concentration. At that time, monks who had attained mundane spiritual powers traveled to Mount Meru to deepen their meditative absorption. [02:18]
The Buddha said, “O Monks, know this: The base of Mount Meru extends 80,000 yojanas [ancient India unit of distance] below the surface of the ocean, anchored in the Vajra Ground. It rises another 80,000 yojanas above the water. This king of mountains is composed of four precious substances - radiant, majestic, and awe-inspiring in every regard. Its summit tapers to a fine point, and each of its four faces spans 2,000 yojanas. Gods and humans alike take delight in its sublime presence. At the mountain’s pinnacle lies the Heaven of the Thirty-Three [Trāyastriṃśa in Sanskrit], fashioned from the same four celestial jewels: crystal in the east, lapis lazuli in the south, silver in the west, gold in the north. And deep beneath the mountain, within the vast ocean, stand the jeweled palaces of the naga kings, splendid abodes adorned with these four types of gems, lacking nothing their hearts could wish for.” [03:19]
At that time, two mighty naga kings, Nanda and Upananda dwelt beneath the ocean, each attended by a retinue of 84,000 nagas. So powerful were these naga kings that even the garuḍa king could not subdue them. They indulged in celestial feasts fit for the gods, which seemed like their merits are beyond reckoning. Yet, bound by greed, they coiled their immense bodies seven times around Mount Meru, rearing their heads high in a bid for dominion. It is said their lifespans spanned entire eon. Swollen with pride, they thought to themselves, "All these luxuries are the fruit of the merit we accumulated!” But consumed by envy, they exhaled venomous breath three times each day, spreading poison across a radius of 250 yojanas. Birds and beasts that inhaled this miasma writhed in agony, many would even die. After unleashing their venom, the nagas would sink into slumber. [04:35]
The monks engaged in meditation were affected by the nagas’ venom—their skin turned sallow, [their bodies] withered and weak. Those dwelling on the terraces of Mount Meru grew pale and gaunt, tormented by the poisonous miasma. Yet the World-Honored One had instructed, “Monks! To keep your precepts pure, gather every fortnight for the Uposatha. Recite the disciplinary rules, confess your transgressions, and purify your vows through sincere repentance.” Thus, when the Uposatha day arrived, the monks returned from their solitary retreats and assembled in accordance with the Blessed One’s guidance. [05:24]
The monks residing at the monastery saw their fellow monks return pale and emaciated. Concerned, they asked, “Why do your faces appear so pallid and drawn?” The meditating monks recounted their suffering. “If the nagas afflict you so,” the monks replied, “why not subdue them?” they answered, “Only the World-Honored One and his great disciples possess the power [to tame such beings]. This task lies beyond our capacity.” Hearing this, the monks brought the matter before the Buddha. The Blessed One reflected, “Among my disciples, who is capable of subduing these two naga kings?” Perceiving Mahāmaudgalyāyana’s great spiritual might, the Buddha told Mahāmaudgalyāyana, “You can observe Nanda and Upananda, the two naga kings.” Mahāmaudgalyāyana respectfully accepted the Buddha’s instructions and replied, “Venerable One, as you instruct, so shall it be.” Entering into deep meditative absorption, he vanished from Śrāvastī and reappeared upon the summit of Mount Meru. [06:45]
When the Venerable Maudgalyāyana reached the summit of Mount Meru, he found the naga kings, Nanda and Upananda, fast asleep. He snapped his fingers to rouse them but they did not stir. He walked on their massive coils, still, they lay unmoved. He walked upon their heads, yet they remained oblivious. At last, he entered into their bellies and roared like a thunderstorm, still, the nagas did not awaken. [07:34]
The Venerable One reflected, "There are two ways to subdue a naga, what are they? One is to provoke its wrath, or to strike it with fear. But if I ignite their fury, all of Jambudvīpa would tremble. Therefore, I shall choose fear.” At once, he transformed into a naga three times their size. He coiled his massive body around them seven times and raised his head high - a colossal dragon towering above them. Startled by the immense weight and pressure, the naga kings awoke in terror. "Our realm has been invaded! Seized!" they thought, and, gripped by fear, shrank their forms and fled their palace in panic. [08:40]
At that moment, Venerable Maudgalyāyana resumed his original form, adjusted his majestic bearing, and stood before the naga kings, blocking their path. "Where are you two off to?" he asked. The nagas replied, "A naga of terrifying power invaded our realm, seeking our lives and palace! Facing such calamity, we must flee!” The Venerable said, "I just visited your palace, I saw no such thing!” "We witnessed it ourselves!" the nagas insisted. “Then return and describe this naga to me," said Mahamaudgalyāyana. The nagas trembled, "O Great One, do you mean to slay us too?” "I will accompany you. Who would dare to harm you?! Let us return and you can point out how it looks.” Back at the palace, they found it empty, no sign of any intruder. The naga kings gasped, "Did the Venerable One, seeing our cruelty, manifest this illusion to terrify us?” Mahamaudgalyāyana smiled faintly, “Perhaps." "Then why have you come?" they asked. [10:16]
The Venerable One proclaimed, "Hear me well! Because of vile deeds in past lives, you were cast into this beastly rebirth. Now, driven by venomous fury, you slay countless beings without remorse. If this cruelty continues, death will plunge you into the depths of hell, there will be no escape.” The naga kings bowed low at the feet of venerable, saying, "What must we do?” Mahāmaudgalyāyana replied, "You would now need to take refuge in the Three Jewels, uphold the five precepts, do not kill, not even consume intoxicants, from this day until your final breath. The beings of Mount Meru must live without fear. Let none tremble in your presence!” The nagas made their vow, "Blinded by ignorance, we were adrift in a sea of suffering. Fortunately, through your compassion, we are saved. We vowed to follow your words of teachings and from this moment on, we take refuge in the Three Jewels. We shall uphold the five precepts until our lives end. Never again will we bring sufferings to others. We will cherish all living beings as our own children, and utterly uproot the poison of hatred from our hearts.” [11:41]
When Venerable Maudgalyāyana had subdued the two naga kings and was preparing to return to his dwelling, they bowed at his feet and addressed him, saying, “Venerable one, we have long been lost in delusion, but through your compassion, we have now been rescued. We earnestly beseech you to convey our words to the World-Honored One. After bowing at his feet on our behalf, please say, ‘We wonder whether the World-Honored One is free from illness and affliction, whether he dwells in ease, and whether his strength and spirit remain in harmony.’ And further, please relay this request, ‘May the World-Honored One, out of compassion for us disciples, instruct the monks and nuns to dedicate the merit of their mealtime prayers to us, that we might be freed from the animal realm and attain rebirth in a favorable existence.’” Mahāmaudgalyāyana replied, “I shall help deliver your message.” [12:43]
When the Venerable Maudgalyāyana had subdued the naga kings, he vanished from Mount Meru and, in brief moments like what it takes a strong man to bend and straighten his arm, reappeared at Jetavana Grove. Approaching the World-Honored One, he bowed at his feet and said, “World-Honored One, this disciple has subdued the two naga kings and guided them to take refuge in the Three Jewels and uphold the five precepts. They have also awakened a mind of compassion toward the beings dwelling on Mount Meru. They entrusted me to bow at your feet on their behalf and convey these words, “We wonder if the World-Honored One is free from illness and affliction, if his daily life is peaceful, and if his strength and vitality remain in harmony. Due to our past misdeeds, we have fallen into the animal realm and now endure many sufferings. We earnestly beseech the World-Honored One to extend his compassion and rescue us.’” The Venerable Maudgalyāyana faithfully relayed all the words of the two naga kings. Upon hearing them, the World-Honored One praised the naga kings, saying, “Excellent, excellent! These two naga kings have now given rise to a mind of renunciation toward the miserable realms.” [14:03]
The World-Honored One then addressed the monks, saying, “From this day onward, my disciples, both monks and nuns, should, after each meal, include the names of these two naga kings in the dedication verse. Let them dedicate the merits and offer prayers that these beings be liberated from the miserable realms and attain rebirth in a happy realms.” [14:38]
【广海明月 讲次: 0406】
讲次 | 0406 (2022-02-24 ~ 2022-02-27)
标题 | 目犍连尊者降伏龙王的故事（一）
(更新日期: 2022年3月3日)
00:00
大家好！又到了我们一起学习《广论》的时间了，今天想继续给大家讲佛经上的故事，是关于难陀、邬波难陀两个龙王的故事。00:17
佛陀在室罗伐城祇树给孤独园的时候，告诉比丘们说：“比丘们！你们应该在僻静处，或是树下，或是在空房，或是在山崖，或是在岩洞，或是在草屋，或在空地，或在尸陀林，或在其他树林之中，或住在角落的房子，在这些地方依靠着简陋的住处，摒弃外缘，端正内心，修习静虑，以求断除烦恼。比丘们！不要放逸，以免事后忧悔。这就是我真实的教诫。”世尊就告诉这些比丘们要摒弃愦闹而作思惟。01:24
在世尊这样告诉比丘们之后，比丘们便去到像兰若呀、树下，还有空房、山沟、山洞、草屋，还有露天之处、坟场、森林、僻静的住处，有的甚至在须弥山的阶层修定，有的是在七重金山，有的在无热恼池，有的是选在静静流水的池塘，有的是在适合瑜伽士的城市、乡村、国土、边境和王宫附近等各种地方修定。当时有比丘得到世俗神通的，他们就去到须弥山那里修行静虑了。02:18
佛陀说：“比丘们！须弥山的基部，从金刚轮往上直到海面有八万由旬；从水面往上拔高，也是八万由旬。须弥山王是由四种珍宝所成，形色美妙、好看、壮丽，它的形状是锋利的，在其四面各有两千由旬，人们和天人都喜欢看它殊妙的相状。须弥山顶部有三十三天，是由四种珍宝所构成的：东面是水晶，南面是琉璃，西面是白银，而北面就是黄金。在这山下的大海之中有龙王的宫殿，也是四种珍宝所成，真是应有尽有。”03:19
当时有两位龙王住在这里，它们分别叫难陀和邬波难陀，各有八万四千只龙作为眷属。这两位龙王，即便是金翅鸟王都无法损害它们，它们的饮食都像天人一样的上妙供养，看起来福报非常地大。可是这两位龙王由于贪爱，用它们的身体把须弥山绕了七圈，昂着头占据着土地，据说它们能够活到一劫。它们想：“这些享受都是我的福德所招感的！”又因为出于嫉妒心，每天三次吐出毒气，方圆二百五十由旬之内，鸟兽闻到毒气都会异常地痛苦，甚至都会丧命。而龙吐毒气之后，便睡着了。04:35
那些修习静虑的比丘们，因为龙的毒气皮肉变色、憔悴萎黄。所以当时在须弥山的阶层上修定的那些比丘们为此所苦，看起来变得苍白干枯、瘦弱而憔悴。世尊曾说：“比丘们！你们想令戒律清净，可以每半个月进行诵戒，为了除去罪过，要作自恣忏悔。”所以这些比丘听了佛陀的教诲，到了要布萨诵戒的日子，就都会回来集会。05:24
这时候，原来住在寺院里的比丘们感到奇怪，就问：“为什么你们的脸色异常，枯黄成这样？”修静虑的比丘就将缘由都告诉了他们。比丘们说：“既然龙对你们做恼害，为何不调伏它们呀？”回答说：“只有世尊和大弟子才能调伏它们，这不是我们能做到的。”于是，比丘们便将此事禀告了佛陀。佛陀便想：“我的弟子当中，有谁能降伏这二大龙王呢？”佛陀知道大目犍连一定能够调伏它们，于是就告诉大目犍连说：“你留意一下难陀、邬波难陀这二大龙王。”大目犍连听了佛陀的命令，说：“大德！就照您说的办。”于是就入了定，在室罗伐城消失了，而出现在须弥山。06:45
当时尊者到了须弥山顶，发现龙王难陀、邬波难陀都睡着了，所以尊者就弹指想叫醒它们，但是它俩都没有醒来。他在龙王的身上走来走去，可是龙王却睡得很沉，没有察觉。于是他又在龙王的头上走路，龙王仍然没有察觉。目犍连尊者又进入到龙王的肚子里震响雷霆，可是它们仍然沉睡不起。07:34
当时尊者就想：“有两种方式能降伏龙，是哪两种呢？一种是让它愤怒，一种是让它恐惧，但是我如果激怒它的话，整个赡部洲都会受到震动，所以我现在应该让它恐惧。”就化现出龙的形体，比这两只龙大了三倍，然后绕着这两条龙整整七圈，并且把头昂了起来──尊者化现成为一条超级大的龙！这个时候龙王感到身体很重就醒过来了，看到这么大的龙，惊恐万状、不知所措，就想：“哇！我们的住处被入侵了、夺取了！”于是便化作比较小的形体，想要放弃宫殿而逃窜。08:40
这时大目犍连尊者就恢复本来的样子，整理威仪，挡在龙王的前面，问说：“你们两位龙王要去哪里呀？”龙王回答：“有威德强大的龙来到我们住处了，想危害我的性命、夺取我的宫殿。遇到这个灾难，所以要逃往别处。”尊者说：“我刚刚到你们的宫殿，没看到这回事啊！”龙王说：“我们亲眼看到了！”尊者说：“你们可以回到宫殿，告诉我那条龙是长什么样子的。”这时，龙说：“大德！难道你也想杀我吗？”尊者说：“我跟你们一起去看，谁敢杀你！应该回去，把它的长相指给我看。”于是龙王和尊者又回到了住处，只看到宫殿空空如也，没再有别的东西了。两位龙王说：“莫非是圣者看到我们太凶暴，所以故意示现让我们惊恐的呢？”尊者笑笑说：“或许是这样吧！”龙王就禀告说：“圣者为何而来呢？”10:16
尊者说：“你们听着呀！你们过去造作了下劣的恶业，才堕落成畜生，承受这个果报。现在你又生起猛烈的毒害心杀害有情，没有悲悯，死后除了地狱就没有其他投生之处了呀！”这两位龙王赶紧都来顶礼尊者的双足，说道：“那您觉得我们该怎么做比较好呢？”尊者说：“你们现在应该要皈依三宝、受持五戒，直到命终之前都不要再杀生，乃至不饮酒。在须弥山上住着各种禽兽生命，你们要施予无畏，不要让他们惊恐啊！”龙王禀告说：“我们愚痴，没有智慧，有幸承蒙圣者救拔苦海。我们诚心发誓谨依言教，从今以后直到命存之间，皈依三宝、受持五戒，对于各种生命不让他们苦恼，爱护他们像自己的孩子一般，除去嗔毒之心。”11:41
当大目犍连降伏完这两位龙王，准备要回住处的时候，这两位龙王顶礼尊者的双足，启白尊者说：“大德啊！我们堕落迷途，幸好承蒙您的恩德，得到您的救济，请求您帮我们捎话去世尊面前，代我们顶礼世尊的双足后，启白说：‘不知道世尊您是否少病少恼、起居轻利、气力调和？’接着代我们启白说：‘希望您慈悲怜悯弟子们，让比丘、比丘尼们在用斋后念诵咒愿时，帮我们回向可以脱离畜生道，往生善趣当中！’”目犍连尊者说：“我可以帮你们启白。”12:43
当大目犍连尊者调伏完龙王后，就如同壮士手臂一屈一伸那么短暂的时间里，从须弥山消失，回到了逝多林中。目犍连尊者到了世尊面前，顶礼了世尊的双足之后，向世尊启白道：“弟子已经降伏了两位龙王，让它们受了三皈、五戒，还让它们对于住在须弥山的有情发起了慈悲心。它们两位托弟子顶礼世尊您的足下，并且要跟您说：‘不知道世尊您是否少病少恼、起居轻利、气力调和？我们因为恶业堕落到畜生道中受种种苦难，祈请世尊能够慈悲救济我们！’”目犍连尊者把两位龙王要和佛陀说的话全部都启白了。世尊听到之后就赞叹说：“善哉！善哉！这两位龙王能对恶趣生起厌离心呀！”14:03
世尊就告诉比丘们说：“从今以后我的比丘、比丘尼的弟子们，应该要在每次用完斋念结斋偈时，念那两位龙王的名字，咒愿它们能脱离恶道、往生善趣。”14:38