Can You Seek and Receive Support from Devas (Divine Beings) by Bhante Dr. G.Chandima for Buddhist Gem Fellowship (October 16, 2024)

Belief in the existence/presence of devās is an integral aspect of  Sammā Diṭṭhi (right view).  

According to the Culla Niddesa, there are several types of devās: 

- Uppatti Devās: This category includes kings, queens, and other royal figures.  

- Sammutī Devās: These are the devas residing in the six heavenly realms.  

- Visuddhi Devās: This group encompasses arhants and Pacceka Buddhas, individuals who have attained high levels of spiritual purity.  

- Devātideva: This is the supreme deva (Sammā Sambuddha), regarded as the highest among the deities due to unparalleled purity. 

This classification highlights the diverse nature of divine beings within Buddhist cosmology.

1.  Humans have the potential to embody devā-like qualities.

- Brahmavihāra (Aṭṭhakanāgara sutta MN 52)

- By being good parents to your children. (Brahma sutta AN 4.63)

- Couples (partners) can either live as if they are divine beings (devā) or descend into a more destructive, devilish existence (yakkha). (Paṭhamasaṁvāsa sutta AN 4.53)

1)A male yakkha living with a female yakkha (Chavo chavāya saddhiṁ saṁvasati)
2) A male yakkha living with a female devā (Chavo deviyā saddhiṁ saṁvasati)
3) A male devā living with a female yakkha (Devo chavāya saddhiṁ saṁvasati)
4) A male devā living with a female devā (Devo deviyā saddhiṁ saṁvasati)

2. How to get Devā's attention and support in general?

Speak the truth, 

do not be angry, and 

give when asked, if only a little.

By these three means,you may enter the presence of the gods.

Saccaṁ bhaṇe na kujjheyya,

dajjā'ppasmimpi yācito

Etehi tīhi ṭhānehi,

gacche devāna santike. (Dhammapada verse 224)

3. What kind of people does Sakka favor? Understanding this can help ordinary humans receive support from the devas? (Gahaṭṭhavandanā sutta SN 11.18)

When Sakka goes on a pleasure trip, he starts by raising his joined palms toward the four directions. His charioteer, Mātali, notes that Sakka is revered by both devās and humans and asks whom he is honoring. Sakka responds that he honors both well-practiced monks and virtuous laypeople.

4. How can we engage in activities that please the Tavatimsa devās and cultivate the qualities of a sappurisa (a good person)? (Vatapada sutta SN 11.11)

-The Anger-Eating Demon occupies Sakka's throne, illustrating valuable lessons about anger and its effects on others. When an ugly yakkha takes Sakka's place, the devās become furious. However, the more they complain, the more attractive the spirit becomes. Sakka recognizes that this is the "anger-eating yakkha" and decides to treat him with kindness and respect. (Dubbaṇṇiya sutta SN 11.22)

5.  What should people do to gain the support of the devas?

(i) Practice the Dhamma consistently, with commitment and creativity. 

(ii) Learn Dhamma properly. (When someone learns the Dhamma properly, the devās treat them with the same respect they show to Sakka.) Dhamanāvā sutta Snp 2.8

(iii) Devatānussati (recollection of devās) Anussatiṭṭhāna sutta AN 6.25

(iv) Engage in merit transference and make offerings to the devas regularly (devatā bali).(Pattakamma Sutta AN 4.61) and (Ratana Sutta Kp.6)

(v) Cleaning the place (AN)

The five benefits of cleaning reflect a deep understanding of both physical and mental purification in a spiritual context. Here’s a brief overview of each benefit:

1. Purifying One’s Own Mind: Cleaning can symbolize clarity and order, helping to clear mental clutter and promote mindfulness.

2. Purifying Another’s Mind: When one engages in acts of cleaning or helping others to clean, it can inspire and uplift those around them, fostering a collective sense of well-being.

3. Attractiveness to the Minds of the deities: In many spiritual traditions, purity and cleanliness are associated with divine favor. Engaging in cleaning can be seen as a practice that aligns one with higher spiritual beings.

4. Accumulating Suitable Roots of Skillful Action: Regular cleaning can cultivate habits of discipline and responsibility, laying the groundwork for positive actions and intentions in other areas of life.

5. Arising in a Good Destiny After Death: The belief here is that a life lived with purity and good deeds can lead to favorable rebirths, such as in heavenly realms.

(vi) Never sleep unmindfully (Muṭṭhassati sutta AN 5.210)

(vii) Metta practice (Mettā sutta AN 11.15)

(viii) Consistent Dhamma practice can lead even celestial beings to place garlands on one's deathbed. (Dhammapada verse 16 story)

(ix) Never trespass to cut down trees in the forest without first offering metta to the tree deities. (Dhammapaa 222 verse story)