54 (Day) Notes | Dhajagga Sutta (SN 11.3) | Sutta Study @ Buddhist Maha Vihara, Brickfields | Bhante Dr. G. Chandima

1. How should we understand Sakka in the context of the Dhajagga Sutta, as well as in other teachings within the Dhamma? Please see additional information here. 

2. Who is Pajāpati? 

Pajāpati is a significant deity in Hindu mythology, often regarded as the "Lord of Creatures" or the "Creator." He is associated with creation and the universe, symbolizing the generative force behind all life. Pajāpati is sometimes identified with Brahma, the creator god in Hinduism, and is revered for his role in establishing order and progeny. In various texts, he is depicted as a wise and benevolent figure, often involved in cosmic and natural processes, and serves as a protector of the dharma (cosmic law and order).

3. Who is Varuṇa?

Varuṇa is an ancient deity in Hindu mythology, associated primarily with water, the oceans, and the celestial sphere. He embodies the concepts of order, truth, and justice, serving as a guardian of moral and cosmic law (ṛta). Often depicted as a majestic figure, Varuṇa wields a noose to bind wrongdoers and is considered a protector of the universe. In Vedic texts, he is invoked for blessings related to water and is sometimes associated with the night sky and the ethical conduct of individuals. Varuṇa's significance extends beyond Hinduism, as he appears in various Indo-European mythologies, highlighting his role as a universal force of order and control.

4. Who is Īsāna?

Īsāna, also known as Isvara , is a deity in Hinduism often associated with the aspect of Lord Shiva. He represents the creative and destructive forces of the universe. Īsāna is considered a guardian of spiritual knowledge and a source of divine wisdom. In some texts, he is linked to the element of air and the direction of the northeast, symbolizing purity and clarity. Revered as a protector of dharma, Īsāna is also associated with meditation and ascetic practices, guiding devotees on their spiritual journeys. Īsāna is a chief deity among the gods of Paranirmitavaśavarti, the sixth heaven of the Kāmadhātu, which is the realm of desire in Buddhist cosmology. In this context, he is often seen as a ruler who oversees the enjoyment of sensual pleasures and the pleasures of the heavenly realms.