The Dragon in Buddhism

Are you wondering what role the dragon plays in Buddhism ? What is the symbolism of the dragon in Buddhism ? What is the relationship between the dragon and Buddha ? To answer these questions, we need to look at the history of Buddhism's encounter with dragons. 🐉 By the way, if you admire the great Buddha, discover the best Buddha incense holders ; they create a relaxing atmosphere in your home.

Two millennia ago, Buddhism arrived in China from India . It spread throughout China and naturally adapted to Chinese culture. The traditional saffron robes (originally Kāṣāya, meaning "cloudy color" in Sanskrit) worn by Buddhist monks gave way to robes in the Chinese style. And it was in China that Buddhism first encountered dragons.

As a reminder, the Chinese dragon has been an integral part of Chinese culture for over 7,000 years. In China, dragons have long symbolized power, creativity, paradise, and good fortune. They are believed to have authority over waterways, rain, floods, and storms.

What is the symbol of the dragon in Buddhism?

Over time, Chinese Buddhist artists adopted the dragon as a symbol of enlightenment . Today, dragons decorate the roofs and portals of Buddhist temples, both as guardians and to symbolize the dragon's power of foresight. Buddhist dragons are often depicted holding a jewel, which represents the teachings of the Buddha.

The use of animal symbols is an important part of Buddhism and embodies the idea that every living being possesses its own inherent virtue, power, and wisdom. Animal symbols contain hidden meanings linked to the specific characteristics of the animals they represent. This highlights Buddhism's relationship with nature, kindness, and humanistic ideals, emphasizing the connection between Buddhist theory and practice.

Meaning of the Dragon in Buddhism

The dragon is a remarkable example of the integration of Buddhism into different cultures. The metamorphosis of the Indian Naga into the Chinese dragon underscores Buddhism's unbridled dynamism in the process of salvation for all conscious beings. Today, the dragon's omnipresence indicates that dragons are more than mere decoration; they have been granted a status of superior authority .

In the 6th century, Chan (Zen) emerged in China as a distinct school of Buddhism . Chan was nurtured within Chinese culture , and dragons frequently appear in Chan literature. The dragon plays many roles, serving as a sign of spiritual awakening , but also as a symbol for oneself. For example, the expression "meeting the dragon in the cave" is a metaphor for confronting one's deepest fears and obstacles. There is the popular Chinese tale of the "true dragon," adopted as a parable by countless teachers. Here is the story:

• Yeh Kung-tzu was a man who loved dragons. He studied dragon legends and decorated his house with paintings and statues of dragons. He talked endlessly about dragons to anyone who would listen. One day, a dragon heard about Yeh Kung-tzu and thought, "How kind of this man to appreciate us. He would surely be happy to meet a real dragon."
• The friendly dragon flew to Yeh Kung-tzu's house and went inside, only to find Yeh Kung-tzu asleep. Then Yeh Kung-tzu woke up and saw the dragon curled up on his bed, its scales and teeth glinting in the moonlight. Yeh Kung-tzu screamed in terror. Before the dragon could reveal itself, Yeh Kung-tzu grabbed a sword and lunged at it. The dragon flew away. 🐉

Many generations of Chan and Zen teachers, including Dogen , have mentioned the true story of the dragon in their teachings. For example, Dogen wrote in the Funkanzazengi: "I implore you, noble friends in learning by experience, do not become so accustomed to images that you are frightened by the real dragon."

The story can be interpreted in many ways. It could be an allegory for someone who is intellectually interested in Buddhism and reads many books on the subject, but doesn't feel the need to practice, find a teacher, or seek refuge somewhere. This person prefers a kind of false Buddhism to the real thing. Or perhaps they are afraid to let go in order to achieve spiritual awakening.

Naga and Dragon in Buddhism

Nagas are serpent -like creatures that appear in the Pali canon. They are sometimes identified as dragons, but they have a slightly different origin. Naga is the Sanskrit word for cobra . In ancient Indian art, nagas are depicted as beings that are half-serpent, half-human. They also sometimes appear as giant cobras. In some Hindu and Buddhist literature, they can shapeshift, changing from human to serpent. The naga is considered a symbol of life renewal and fertility .

In the Mahabharata ( a Hindu epic poem), nagas are described as malevolent creatures, determined to harm other species. In the poem, the nagas' enemy is the great eagle-king Garuda . In the Pali Canon, the nagas are treated more sympathetically, but they remain perpetually at war with the garudas, except for a brief truce brokered by the Buddha. Over time, the nagas became the guardians of Mount Meru and the Buddha. Nagas play an important role in Mahayana mythology as protectors of the sutras .

With the spread of Buddhism to China, Japan, and Korea, nagas came to be identified as a type of dragon . Some stories told in China and Japan about dragons are the origin of the stories about nagas. In Tibetan Buddhist mythology , dragons and nagas are very different creatures. In Tibet, nagas are generally malevolent water spirits that cause disease and misfortune. But Tibetan dragons are the protectors of Buddhism, whose thundering voices awaken us from illusion.

The Tibetan Dragon in Buddhism

Unlike its demonic European counterpart, the Tibetan Dragon is a creature of great creative power. It is a positive icon, representing the masculine yang principle, the force of heaven, change, energy, wealth, and creativity.

Dragons are shapeshifters , capable of transforming at will, from the size of a silkworm to that of a giant that fills the entire sky. Dragons are depicted in one of two colors, green or brown . The green dragon , or azure dragon of Buddhism, rises in the sky at the spring equinox. It represents the increasing power of light in spring and the eastward direction of sunrise.

The brown dragon represents the autumn equinox. It descends into a deep pool, enclosing itself in mud until the following spring, but its spirit remains with the practitioner, bringing wealth and health. The beads , or jewels , held in the dragon's claws represent wisdom and health . The dragon can control the weather by squeezing the jewels to produce dew, rain, or even downpours when tightly held. The dragon is the vehicle of Vairochana, the White Buddha of the center or east.

Dragon Ball and Buddhism

Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball is arguably one of the most beloved forms of entertainment worldwide. The story contains numerous allegories for the classic novel "Journey to the West," with characters like Goku, Krillin, and Oolong (a talking pig) being references to it. The series demonstrates its strong connection to Mahayana Buddhism in that the characters only achieve enlightenment when they abandon their "main quest" to help others in need. It is through these acts of kindness that the characters grow and progress through the story.

Although Buddhism emphasizes non-violence , the Dragon Ball series highlights that Goku primarily overcomes his enemies by befriending them instead of using brute force. However, when an enemy cannot be reasoned with, Buddhism permits violence, as long as that violence is necessary to restore peace —something Goku continually does. While some might consider this a children's program, it's astonishing that Toriyama included such an allegory in Dragon Ball. Who would have thought that these morning cartoons would teach us all about Buddhist spiritual awakening when we were children?

The article on Dragon Buddhism is coming to an end. If you like creating a warm and peaceful atmosphere in your home, our dragon incense holders might interest you; take a look before you go. 🐉