What are Nagas?
Naga
Nagas are a class of serpent like beings who live in the ocean and other bodies of water such as rivers, lakes and so on. They are worldly beings who are still bound in samsara. There are many classes of Nagas. The majority are like animals, some are like hungry ghosts, some are like hell beings and experience great suffering, some are similar to gods, guardians of wealth and possess great power with the ability to heal sicknesses, affect weather, wealth and so on.
Nagas can greatly affect the areas and the inhabitants over which they preside. If we respect the environment and our actions are positive, the nagas will be pleased and will look after the area well. However, if due to our inconsiderate actions, we pollute the environment in which they live or disrespect natural resources and so on, this will anger them as they will receive harm and become agitated. As a result, they can cause all kinds of sicknesses especially skin diseases, and bring forth misfortune, obstacles and natural disasters such as floods, untimely rain and so on.
Why practise the Naga Vase offering puja?
Due to the inevitable conflict that ensues with the nagas from human activity, Buddha taught many methods for pacifying the nagas and repairing the harm done. When these methods are put into practice, the disturbed areas inhabited by the nagas will be restored and the nagas will be pleased and pacified. One such method is the Naga Vase Puja.
The Naga Vase Puja will repair our relationship with the nagas, replenish the earth, Even when there is no conflict, the puja can still be performed to promote and accomplish benefit for beings on a wordly level such as increasing wealth, healing sickness, freedom from natural disasters, good weather, peace and so on.
Benefits of offering the Naga Vase
By engaging in the Naga Vase Puja, we will obtain the following benefits:
- One’s wealth and prosperity will increase.
- One’s fame will increase.
- Obstacles and sickness will be pacified, and one will have good health and luck
- One will always meet good friends and masters
- One will gain confidence and support from devotees
- One will increase one’s merits and have a happy family
- One will be able to raise pleasant looking and intelligent children
- There will be fine weather in the region with sufficient rainfall
- There will be good harvest of all crops
- There will be peace and prosperity in the country
One can also make offerings to nagas in order to clear obstacles and accomplish worldly siddhis. However it is important to understand that Nagas are worldly beings and do not provide ultimate refuge. Also sometimes great Bodhisattvas take rebirth as Nagas in order to benefit sentient beings.
Rules to be observed for the puja
Participants who take part in the puja are asked to observe the following rules strictly:
- Do not consume any pungent foods (e.g. garlic, onion etc.);
- Do not apply cosmetics, perfumes and fragranced toiletries;
- Do not carry any nectar pills (dharma medicine);
- Do not burn any incense within the vicinity of the main shrine;
- Do not smoke, and do not consume alcohol;
- Keep your clothing clean and free from ordour or fragrance.
- Strict vegetarian diet for the day.
