Moggallana, the foremost Thera in spiritual powers

By Premasara EPASINGHE

Moggallana or Mugalan, was one of the Buddha's ten major disciples, known to be the foremost in spiritual powers. He was born to a Brahaman family in the suburbs of Rajagaha, in the kingdom of Magadha. He was a close friend of Sariputta, from his childhood. They were born on the same day. They associated with each other during many previous births in the journey of Samsara, so were they during the last life. Moggallana was one of the chief disciples of the Buddha, Sariputta was the other.

The two friends, Sariputta and Moggallana, were at first disciples of Sanjaya Bellattiputta, one of the six well-known non-Buddhist teachers. They were known as Upatissa and Kolita, who were Sariputta and Moggallana, the two chief disciples of the Buddha.

Ven. Maha Moggallana Thera was foremost in the noble order of the Bhikkhus, for the performance of psychic feats.

King of Cobras

The story of Moggallana and King of Cobras, who lived in the snowy mountains of Himalayas is quite fascinating. The king of cobra's name was Nandopananda. He was also noted for psychic feats. He was threatening all beings of Himalayas. The disciples pleaded to the Buddha to subdue the snake. When Moggallane's turn came, the Buddha granted permission. In the “Battle of the Himalayas”, the Naga king asked for peace. The Epic feat was sufficiently commemorated in one of the verses of Jayamangala Gatha recited by Buddhists on auspicious occasions.

The verse of Jayamangala Gatha is:

Nando Pananda -
Bhujagam Vibudham Mahiddhim-
Puttena Thera - Bhujagena Damapayanto -
Iddhupadesa Vidhina Jitava Munindo -
Tam Tejasa Bhavatu Me -
Jaya Mangalani -

(The wise and powerful Serpent Nandopananda was subdued by the psychic powers of Moggallana. By the grace of this, may joyous victory be mine.)

Moggallana was equally at ease in trembling the palace of Sakko or visiting hell. By visiting heaven and hell Moggallana gathered valuable information.

Moggallana, in his last life could not escape the relentless force of Kamma. On two occasions he escaped from robbers. On the third occasion, he could not escape. He was mercilessly beaten. Moggallana was later killed.

Mahayana Buddhists celebrate Ullambana, the festival of hungry ghosts, on the 15th day, of the 7th month in the lunar calendar. The ceremonies are held in which the Sutras are recited to soothe the torments of the deceased in the lower realms of existence. The origin of the ceremony is found in the story of Moggallana, who saw in his divine eye, that his mother had been reborn as a hungry ghost, and he wanted to save her. The Buddha told Moggallana, only the combined efforts of all Bhikkhus could help her escape her fate. From this tradition developed the custom of offering food and clothing.