Introduction In the ancient teachings of Buddhism, there is a remarkable story of a serpent who once protected Gautama Buddha. This story is a powerful testament to the reverence and respect that even the animal kingdom has for the enlightened ones. Image credit: Thay Thich Truc Thai Minh The Story of Mucalinda 🌿🧘♂️ Long ago, after attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, Gautam Buddha continued to meditate and teach in various locations. One day, during the sixth week after his enlightenment, he was meditating beneath a large tree near a serene lake. The skies were clear, and all was peaceful. Suddenly, dark clouds gathered, and a violent storm approached. The winds howled, the rain poured down in torrents, and the serene environment was disturbed. Despite the storm, Gautam Buddha remained in deep meditation, unaffected by the chaos around him. It was then that Mucalinda, the King of Serpents, emerged from...