Dragon King, the Guardian of Dharma

Due to the necessity of proliferating Dharma, I often visited many places nationally and internationally. However, whenever I am back at the Mountain, around afternoon, I would walk around each temple building. Has anyone noticed recently that this year we have two new dragons in the viewing platform at the front of the Inaugurate Temple, which has been finished remodeling early this year. One day, I asked disciples, “Does anyone know what these dragons are doing?”

They thought for a moment. Some said that they are rising above the ocean; some said that they are looking at the sky. So I told them, “These dragons are paying respect to Buddha.” In Myanmar, I have seen snakes stood very straight and then bended their heads as if they were bowing. That’s my inspiration to put two Buddha worshipping dragons here.

In Buddhism, dragons are part of guardians of Dharma with the ability to summon rain and clouds.  When Buddha was born, there were nine dragons spewing waters to bath Buddha’s body. Later, Buddha shaved his head to become a monk and experienced six years of hardship in order to gain the knowledge that ascetic practice did not equate to enlightenment. Afterward, he received an elder’s daughter kheer for nourishment. Later, he bathed and went to cultivate chan by the river where Mucilinda, the Dragon King, lived. This elderly dragon was very ancient and his eyes were blind. However, due to aiding power from the light emitted from Buddha’s meritorious body, Mucilinda was able to open his eyes and saw everything. Moreover, he saw Buddha who was like other Buddha he had met before. He was joyous because he knew here is another Buddha come to teach and convert sentient beings. Therefore, the Dragon King came to the river edge; he respectfully supported Buddha by coiled around him 7 times. His seven dragonheads served as parasol that spread out and cover Buddha’s Head to protect Him from wind and rain. Afterward, Buddha taught Dragon King the Three Conversion. As a result, Dragon King is the first among the animal realm to see Buddha.