Mogallana had the divine powers to hear any sounds, whether near or far, and to see things through obstructions. He could also travel to any place he liked in an instant. Many a time he used his miraculous powers to help Buddha in His propagation of Dharma.
Once, the people of Sravasti gave a banquet to make offering to the monks and nuns of many religions. Mogallana was the first guest to arrive at the banquet which was held at a big square opposite a river.
Soon, many heretics also came for the offerings and they hoped to get the best seat first. Unexpectedly, the river suddenly rose and they had difficulty on crossing it. Just then, Mogallana saw Buddha and His disciples approaching from far. He therefore transformed into a bridge decorated with gems across the river and awaited Buddha’s arrival.
Upon seeing the bridge, the heretics were delighted and they rushed across the bridge. However, before they could reach the other side of the river, the bridge collapsed suddenly. As a result, they fell into the river, all yelling for help.
The bridge reappeared across the river when Buddha arrived. Walking across the bridge with His disciples, Buddha saw the heretics struggling in the river. The compassionate Buddha immediately saved the heretics through His supernatural power and then allowed them to follow Him. Once they reached the other side of the river, safe and sound, the bridge vanished in the air.
This incident had led the heretics to the conclusion that they could not stand comparison with the Buddha and His disciples.
Once Mogallana and Sariputra were assigned to lead the Sangha and to propagate the Dharma at Karanda-venuvana in Rajagrha. Both of them stayed in the same meditation room.
Once night, all was quiet and there was only a lamp glimmering in the meditation room. In the depth of night, Sariputra broke the silence and asked Mogallana:” Venerable Mogallana, pardon my asking a blunt question, but have you been meditating on one pointedness tonight?”
“Why did you ask this?” Mogallana asked softy in reply.
“Because I have not heard you breathe for quite some time,” explained Sariputra.
“Venerable Sariputra, I have gone to seek Buddha’s instruction on a question on the meditation practice. During the silence just now, I was actually talking to the Buddha.”
“How could it be? Lord Buddha is now in Jetavana in the north and we are staying at Karandu-venuvana in the south. The two places are a long way away from each other. How could you possibly talk to the Buddha?”
“Venerable Sariputra, the Buddha has divine vision and hearing which both of us have also attained. That is why we can always communicate with each other no matter where we are.”
As a matter of fact, Sariputra had known this already, but he always maintained his modesty. After hearing Mogallana’s words, he was very pleased and said in admiration, “Venerable Mogallana, it’s the highest honour that I can learn with you under the same teacher because your supernatural powers and virtues are so great.”
Mogallana replied smilingly, “Venerable Sariputra, I, too, feel greatly honoured for being able to associate with a wise and virtuous venerable like you.”
Sariputra and Mogallana respected and admired each other and their friendship had never faded.