The Story of Venerable Moggallāna: The Kind Monk with Great Powers
A Special Friendship
Long, long ago in ancient India, there lived a young boy named Moggallāna. He had a best friend named Sāriputta. They grew up together in the same village and loved each other like brothers.
When they became young men, both friends felt something was missing. They looked around and saw that all people grow old, get sick, and die. This made them sad and worried.
“There must be a way to find real happiness,” said Moggallāna.
“Yes! Let’s search for the truth together,” said Sāriputta.
So the two friends left home to find a great teacher.
Finding the Buddha
First, they learned from other teachers. They tried very hard. But still, they did not find the answers they were looking for.
One day, Sāriputta met a monk walking calmly through the town. This monk had a peaceful face and gentle eyes. His name was Venerable Assaji, and he was a disciple of the Buddha.
“Please, sir,” asked Sāriputta, “what does your teacher teach?”
The monk smiled and said a simple verse about how all things come from causes and how suffering can end.
When Sāriputta heard this, his heart felt light and happy! He ran to tell Moggallāna the good news.
“My friend! I think we have found the true teacher!” said Sāriputta.
Moggallāna listened carefully. As soon as he heard the teaching, he too understood something deep and wonderful.
The two friends went to meet the Buddha right away. The Buddha welcomed them with kindness. He taught them the Dhamma—the path to peace and freedom.
Both friends became monks and followed the Buddha’s teachings with all their hearts.
Moggallāna’s Special Powers
Moggallāna practiced meditation very seriously. He sat quietly every day. He watched his breath. He kept his mind pure and calm.
Soon, Moggallāna developed amazing spiritual powers! He could see far away. He could visit different worlds. He could even fly through the sky!
But Moggallāna never used his powers to show off. He only used them to help others.
Stories of Kindness and Wisdom
Helping His Mother
One time, Moggallāna used his special sight to look for his mother. Sadly, he saw that after she died, she was born as a hungry ghost because she had been selfish when she was alive.
Moggallāna felt very sad. He tried to give her food, but it turned to fire before she could eat it.
He went to the Buddha and asked, “How can I help my mother?”
The Buddha taught him a special way to help. Moggallāna offered food to many monks. By sharing with pure hearts, the good merit helped his mother. She was freed from suffering!
This showed that even someone with great powers must follow the Dhamma and share kindness with others.
Scaring Away the Demon
Once, a mean demon sat on top of Sāriputta’s head while he was meditating! Sāriputta didn’t even notice because his mind was so peaceful.
But Moggallāna could see the demon with his special powers. He shouted at the demon, “Go away! Don’t hurt my friend!”
The demon got scared and ran away fast!
Afterward, Moggallāna asked Sāriputta, “Are you okay? A demon was sitting on your head!”
Sāriputta smiled calmly and said, “I felt nothing. My mind was peaceful.”
The Buddha heard about this and said both monks were wonderful. Moggallāna was kind to protect his friend. Sāriputta was wise to stay peaceful no matter what happened.
Shaking the Palace
One day, Moggallāna visited a beautiful palace where some people lived who were very proud and did not respect the Buddha’s teachings.
To help them understand that they should not be so proud, Moggallāna touched the palace with his toe. The whole building shook like there was an earthquake!
The people inside got scared. They realized they should be humble and respectful.
Moggallāna did this not to scare them for fun, but to wake them up and help them learn.
Always Humble
Even though Moggallāna had such great powers, he never thought he was better than others. He always respected the Buddha. He loved his friend Sāriputta. He was kind to everyone.
When people praised him, he would say, “These powers came from following the Buddha’s path. It is the Dhamma that is wonderful, not me.”
The End of the Story
Moggallāna and Sāriputta became the Buddha’s two chief disciples. Together, they helped many people learn the path to peace and happiness.
Moggallāna showed everyone that having great powers is not important. What matters is using everything we have—big or small—to help others with love and kindness.
—
What We Can Learn
1. Always use talents kindly, never with pride.
Moggallāna had amazing powers, but he stayed humble. He only used his abilities to help others, never to show off. Whatever gifts you have—being good at drawing, sports, math, or making friends—use them to help and share, not to brag.
2. True strength is a peaceful mind.
Even when a demon sat on Sāriputta’s head, he stayed calm because his mind was peaceful! Real strength is not about fighting or being loud. It’s about keeping your mind happy, calm, and kind inside.
3. Good friends can help us walk the right path.
Moggallāna and Sāriputta searched for truth together. They helped each other become better people. Choose friends who are kind and good. Help each other do the right thing!
4. Keeping a pure mind helps us stay calm and happy.
Moggallāna practiced meditation every day. He kept his mind clean and clear. When we think good thoughts, speak kind words, and do helpful actions, we feel peaceful and happy inside—and that’s the best treasure of all!
—
The End
May all children walk the path of kindness, wisdom, and peace, just like Venerable Moggallāna!
