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Naga Vase Offering Puja Intoduction Naga goddesses and gods are mystical serpent beings living in oceans, lakes, rivers or wells. They play an important part in most mythologies, religions, and fairy tales worldwide. They are always associated with having strong magical powers (siddhis), a vast esoteric knowledge, and a capricious character, which can quickly change from friendly and helpful to angry and malicious. As the keepers of the treasures of the water element (magical gems and precious stones), they are often portrayed holding a gem in their hands, being adorned with jewels, or wearing a gem in their crown. Those precious stones, not only grant them immortality but also the ability to magically emanate themselves into all kinds of form bodies. Possessing those magical gems (crystallized wisdom-power) exposes them to many enemies, who would like to steal this huge source of power. Nagardjuna is the Second Buddha In Buddhism. Nagas and Naga kings (Nagaradjas) hold a very important role in Buddhism. The folkloristic beliefs are often mixed with superstitious beliefs. Practices like Naga offerings to lakes, wells, trees etc.; for rain; for granting fertility to get a child, etc. are rooted on practical reasons. However, advance tantric practitioners are aware of the significance of deeper esoteric levels. It is said that before the final enlightenment can take place, the aspirants of Buddhahood (bodhisattvas of the 9th and 10th level) take rebirth in the mystical Naga worlds to get all final necessary empowerments and hidden teachings. Buddhism states that the historical Buddha Shakyamuni also took rebirth in the Naga realm just before his last incarnation on earth. While sitting under the bodhi-tree in India, Buddha was magically protected by a Naga. The 'Second Buddha' and founder of the Madhyamika-School, the Indian mahasiddha Nagarjuna, got his last insights and tantric perfections with the help of the Nagas, meditating at the shore of a lake. Tantric Buddhists believe the coming Maitreya Buddha is at present perfecting himself in the Tushita heavens, sitting on a magical Naga tree, and studying with various Naga teachers to prepare for his full enlightenment on earth. His enlightenment will also take place under a Naga tree (a magical tree, inhabited by a powerful Naga). It is said that rebirth in one of the various Naga realms is a great potential to reach buddhood in a very short time without needing further rebirth. This so-called Naga-Buddhas are often invoked to grant special insights and siddhis for the Buddhist practitioner. The Buddha has stated in the Sutras that there are many Nagas who are task with the work of caring for various areas such as the seas, lakes, rivers, and mountains. These Nagas benefit their respective areas of care and prevent the inhabitants from being struck by misfortunes such as diseases, lose of properties due to man-made or natural calamities such as earthquake, typhoon, floods,). However, the Nagas themselves are also subjected to various misfortunes cause by environmental disturbances. When these misfortunes strike, the Nagas are unable to look after their own respective areas. Therefore, the Buddha taught many methods of removing such circumstances and difficulties of the Nagas. Guru Rinpoche, too, has given instructions for the removal of these obstacles. One way is by way of offering the Naga vase. The Naga Vase has to be well consecrated with substances such as five metals (gold, silver, iron, copper, zinc), precious stones, dharma pills, medicinal herbs, sang powder, and mantras. Mantras are accumulated through pujas and meditation officiated by very qualified Lama or Tulku. The vase is then offered into the ocean, lake, river, or spring falls together with the proper Sadhana puja and offerings. During the ceremony, fresh milk is poured into the water site as an auspicious offering. Properly done, the puja will pacify illness and revive the wealth and energy of the Nagas, making it possible for the Nagas in turn to benefit human similarly. We, Philippines Nedo Kagyu Bodhi Dharma Center, under the guidance of our Lama Choyeng and Pema Techog, in our aspiration to have better living condition, wish that our beloved country will take off and leap toward the path of prosperity as soon as possible. We therefore specially requested our Guru Venerable Nedo Rinpoche to officiate this Naga Vase Offering project. It is advisable that, if possible, each vase represents each person.
Benefits of Offering the Naga Vase:
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