Go Deep:Nāgas in Buddhist Scriptures: True Belief or a Dharma Allegory

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    Nagas are among the mythical beings mentioned in Buddhist scriptures such as the Tipitaka and the Jataka, often appearing as semi-divine creatures with powers surpassing those of humans, yet still not free from defilements like gods or ordinary people. The key point is that in Buddhism, Nagas do not serve to encourage belief in supernatural blessings, but are used as examples to make the teaching of Dhamma easier to understand.

What does “Naga” mean from the perspective of the scriptures?
In the scriptures, Nagas are referred to as “a type of being” dwelling in a realm lower than that of the deities.
  • There was once a story of a Naga requesting ordination, but the request was denied because it was not human.
  • Nagas venerate the Buddha because they have faith in the Dhamma.

    From the perspective of traditional Buddhists, these stories are considered “real according to the scriptures,” meaning they are beliefs of that era that have been passed down through generations.

But in terms of Dhamma, the Naga is a “symbol.”
Scholars often interpret the Naga as a metaphor for the Dhamma, such as....
  • Great size and supernatural power = the inner strength that arises from concentration
  • Living underground or underwater = deeply hidden defilements
  • Ability to transform into a human = the mind changing according to its conditions
Stories of Nagas thus help listeners “visualize” Dhamma principles that are difficult to understand, such as observing the precepts, practicing restraint, and being mindful of defilements.

Conclusion
  • The Nāga in Buddhism “truly exists” according to ancient beliefs and appears in the scriptures, 
  • But the purpose of these stories is not to make one believe in supernatural powers; rather, 
  • they serve as a “Dharma language” that helps to understand the importance of morality, concentration, and wisdom more easily.

    Therefore, whether viewed from the perspective of belief or symbolic interpretation, Nāgas serve the same function: pointing out the path of self-development and the reduction of defilements according to the teachings of the Buddha.

For those interested, the book is available for download on Amazon and Google Play Books here.

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Location: ลำปาง ประเทศไทย

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