There are many stories in the teachings about how many of the Nagas during Guru Shakyamuni Buddha’s time had been monks and nuns during Buddha Kashyapa’s time, but had been unable to keep their vows. Because they had broken their vows, they were born as Nagas.

The Nagas are particularly drawn to water. They coexist with us and are believed to inhabit pristine environments such as lakes, rivers, forests, and springs—untouched and free from pollution. Their preference for exceedingly clean environments makes them guardians of our natural environments.

In Tibetan Buddhism, Nagas are believed to possess great wealth and treasures, often associated with water and the earth, where precious resources like jewels and metals are found. Their riches are seen as both material and spiritual, symbolising an abundance of merit. By making offerings to them or treating them with respect, practitioners can receive support in terms of wealth, good fortune, and the removal of obstacles in their lives.

According to the Sutras, Nagas are also dharma protectors. There is a familiar story of Naga king Mucalinda who protected the Buddha during an unexpected storm while he was meditating, showcasing the Nagas’ role as supporting Buddha and his teachings. Hence, they also protect those seeking enlightenment. 

The Nagas' Dual Nature

However, Nagas are not just helpful guardians but also known for their unpredictable temper. They can be easily angered by the pollution or disturbance of their natural habitat, leading them to retaliate with curses that cause diseases like skin ailments or even natural disasters like floods and storms. Because of this, Buddhists are taught to show respect in such environments and refrain from actions that will destroy or pollute the environment.

Benefits of Offering to the Nagas

1. Requesting Protection and Support
   Buddhists believe Nagas are revered as spiritual protectors. By offering them, we acknowledge their role as guardians of the natural world and the Dharma. Honouring Nagas through offerings is a way for us to express gratitude and to invite their protection and support on our spiritual journey, fostering well-being and material abundance.
   
   

2. Promote Environmental Harmony
   Nagas’ deep connection to nature, particularly water sources, emphasises the importance of environmental respect. The Naga offerings are especially significant in the current state of our world, as we face challenges such as contaminated water systems, droughts, and abnormal weather patterns due to ignorance, greed, and a general lack of respect for the environment.
   
   Making offerings to the Nagas is a step towards maintaining harmony with them. It shows our commitment to protecting and restoring balance to the environment, which will eventually lead to the well-being of all beings.
   
   

3. Cultivate Virtues
   Through making offerings to the Nagas, we are cultivating compassion and equanimity. In Buddhism, these two values of compassion and equanimity for all beings is essential for our spiritual growth. When we make offerings to the Nagas, we contemplate the sufferings of all life forms within samsara, including those who are powerful, unseen, or misunderstood. This is applicable to our human world, where we overlook those who are in dire states.
   
   

4. Alleviating the Suffering of Nagas
   The suffering of Nagas are both mental and physical. They suffer from emotional torments of their jealousy and anger towards other beings. This causes them to be stuck in their present state despite having faith and merits. Nagas suffer from being burned daily by hot sand and preyed on by other beings. They are all thus perpetually fearful of something hostile appearing and suffer unbearable distress. 

All in all, these acts of reverence are not about appeasing these powerful beings but also about cultivating a deeper respect for the natural world and its delicate balance.

The Tradition of Offering Naga Vase

Traditionally, we use Naga vases made of materials such as porcelain and metals to make offerings to the Nagas, but in modern times we use a Naga bag made of biodegradable cotton cloth to contain the offerings instead as it is more environmentally friendly.

A Naga vase is essentially a present from humans to the Nagas, that contains many medicinal herbs and medicines that Nagas need to cure their skin diseases. Nagas have skin diseases as their lower half of the body has to slither on the ground all the time, which results in itchy or uncomfortable skin diseases. This is also why they like to reside in natural, clean habitats that are free from pollution, as pollution destroys the environment and injures the Naga who has to slither in the polluted environment.

This vase is to be given by practitioners, or those who seek the advice of lamas and Rinpoches who say that a person has been attacked or harmed by a Naga, which results in a person becoming similar to a Naga. This is akin to a person getting cancer, as cancer is a result of conflicted emotions. Due to conflicting feelings, inability to let go, and so on, the person creates the causes and condition for cancer to arise.

When one has conflicted issues, cancer, skin issues, anger issues, muscular degenerative diseases, schizophrenia, anxiety or is accident prone, it is thus vital to offer a Naga vase for us to create the cause for these conditions to be healed. This will also allow us to have healthy self-esteem and self-confidence. We also offer a Naga vase to make peace with the Nagas, and to restore the natural habitat of the environment. This is to accumulate merits on our path to awakening. Both sides of Nagas and humans thus mutually benefit from this offering. 

Conclusion

The Nagas are powerful spiritual beings who play a vital role in the world. By understanding their significance and offering to them, we can cultivate a deep sense of peace, harmony, and well-being. Whether seeking protection, environmental harmony, or support, the Nagas can help us on the path to holistic well-being and enlightenment.

If you would like to contribute in benefitting the Nagas, do join us in our activities this year for our annual Vaidurya Healing Festival which has many activities in store for you! Click here to find out more.