In the 6th week after attaining Nirvana, Buddha went and meditated at the foot of a mucalinda (Barringtonia acutangula) tree. In case you wonder, “Why did the Buddha need to meditate when he had already attained Nirvana?” The answer is because after enlightenment, the Buddha’s mind was constantly in absorption or Jhana. It became an intrinsic quality.

Our mind is deluded by all sort of thoughts and when we manage to silence our mind, we attained Jhana (also known as meditative absorption) But for a Buddha or arhat, their minds are purified and no longer deluded by discursive thoughts. Therefore, they are constantly in Jhana. While meditation is a task to us, it is a natural state for the enlightened being.

As Buddha sat under the mucalinda tree, it began to rain heavily and a huge mystical serpent known as a Naga, came out and coiled his body seven times around the Buddha to keep him warm and placed his hood over the Buddha’s head to protect him from the rain.

This action demonstarted that compassion on Earth can be extended by any beings towards any beings.

The Naga is mystical but still falls under the animal realm. Did the great Buddha require the protection of an animal?

Such questions can be interesting and insightful. I once asked a Buddhist elder if we can extend our Metta towards the Buddha and the other enlightened masters.

He recoiled at that suggestion and said that the Buddha did not need our Metta and compassion. Its like, “How dare you have loving-kindness and compassion towards the Great Buddha!”

But if we read the life story of Shakyamuni Buddha, we will realise that many people and beings took good care of Buddha and the arhats, They were concerned about their well-being and are geniuingly worried about their well-being and comfort. Practicing compassion doesn’t mean we look down upon others. We do not position ourselves as I am better than you and therefore, I can take care of you. I am greater than you and thus I am saving you. The “I am better” notion does not exist.

Naga adorning a Buddhist temple

In this story, we found out that a mere snake can help take care of Buddha. Buddha did not say, “How dare you! get your filthy body off me!”

Yes, the almighty Buddha who defeated the Mara may not need our protection, But we need to have that opportunity to make an offering to earn our merit. Therefore, Buddha was just being compassionate.

Likewise, when the janitor offer us coffee, do we say, “how dare you offer me your cheap coffee? I can afford my own coffee!”

After seven days of ceaseless raining, the sky finally cleared and the snake transformed into a young man who paid his respects to the Buddha. The Buddha then said:

“Happy are they who are contented.

Happiness is for those who hear and know the truth.

Happy are they who have good will in this world towards all sentient beings.

Happy are they who have no attachments and have passed beyond sense-desires.

The disappearance of the word “I AM ” is indeed the highest happiness.”

Mucalinda Sutta

May all be well and happy.