4.1 Crimson Mansion
Moggallana Bhante:
Dear Devata, your mansion is crimson colored. Golden sand spreads all over your compound. Delightful music is always playing. You enjoy listening to that music very much.
Now you leave your mansion made of gems and walk towards the park of sala trees, full of beautiful flowers. When you go under a sala tree, something wonderful happens: the branches of the tree bend towards you and shower you with flowers. There are many beautiful birds in the park. Sala trees are blown by the wind in a beautiful rhythm, spreading their fragrance in all directions.
Do you smell these scents? Have you seen your beauty? We now ask you, what kind of meritorious actions did you do to gain these results?
Devata:
In my previous life I lived in the human world. I was a servant girl in a good family. One day, the Supreme Buddha visited my master’s house. I was very happy to see the Buddha sitting inside the house. I offered sala flowers spreading them around the Blessed One. I also made a beautiful garland-crown out of sala flowers and with delight offered it to the Supreme Buddha.
In this way, I practiced lots of meritorious deeds as encouraged by the Buddha. This is why today I live very happily in this heaven without any sorrow or pain.
4.2 Shining Mansion
Moggallana Bhante:
Devata, you shine brilliantly and colorfully. You are dressed in divine red clothing. Your body is as beautiful as if you had applied sandalwood cream. You seem to be very mighty, possessing psychic powers. Now you are worshiping me. Who are you?
Your throne is also valuable and decorated with various types of gems. When you are sitting on it, you shine like Sakka, King of Gods, in the heavenly Nandana Park.
Beautiful Devata, what kind of virtuous life did you lead in the past? We now ask you, what kind of meritorious actions did you do to gain these results?
Devata:
Bhante, when I was in the human world, one day while you were going on your almsround, I offered a flower garland and a piece of golden sugar to you. As a result of that meritorious deed, I enjoy this happiness today.
But Bhante, I feel very regretful because of a mistake I made. I did not listen to the excellent teachings preached by the King of Dhamma, the Supreme Buddha.
Bhante, please listen to me. If anybody has compassion for me they should encourage me to practice that excellent teaching of the Supreme Buddha.
Those devas who possess strong confidence in the Supreme Buddha, the Supreme Dhamma, and the Supreme Sangha outshine me in heavenly life span, fame, and radiance. Those other devas are very beautiful, mighty, and powerful. They experience much more happiness than I do.
4.3 Elephant Mansion
Vangisa Bhante:
Devata, you are traveling in the sky on the back of a very large divine elephant who has psychic powers. Your elephant is decorated with a beautiful golden net and golden flowers. On the elephant’s two tusks, there are beautiful ponds with crystal clear water and many lotus flowers. In the middle of each lotus, a devata is dancing to divine music.
Devata, you are very powerful even amongst the gods, shining brightly in all directions. what kind of meritorious actions did you do when you were in the human world?
Devata:
When I was in the human world, one day I went to Baranasi to see the Supreme Buddha. I offered a pair of robes to the Blessed One, worshiped his sacred feet, and sat down and paid homage to the Buddha by happily placing my hands together.
The Supreme Buddha’s body shines with the color of pure gold. The Great Teacher taught me the cause of suffering, the suffering of this impermanent life, the unconditioned sorrowless state, the supreme bliss of Nibbana, and the Noble Eightfold Path which leads to the destruction of defilements.
My lifespan was very short. After death I was reborn among the devas of the Tavatimsa Heaven where there is much entertainment. Now I am a wife of the god Sakka. My name is Yasuttara and everybody knows who I am.
4.4 Aloma’s Mansion
Moggallana Bhante:
Devata, your beauty shines in all directions like the bright star named Osadhi.
What are the meritorious deeds that led to this happiness?
Tell me Devata, what kind of meritorious action did you do when you were in the human world to have gained this beauty that shines in all directions, and to have earned all these wonderful things?
That devata, delighted at being questioned by Arahant Moggallana, gladly explained what she had done that resulted in such great happiness.
Devata:
In the human world I lived in the city of Baranasi. The Supreme Buddha was born in the Clan of the Sun. Therefore he is known as the Kinsman of the Sun. One day I happily offered a dry lump of rice cake to the Supreme Buddha.
The lump of rice cake I gave was very dry, unsalted and not tasty. But look at the result of that tiny offering! When others see how I enjoy life here, who would not want to collect merit?
Because of this meritorious deed, I have been born as a very beautiful devata and enjoy all the wonderful things that delight my heart.
Great Bhante, that was the meritorious action I did to have such a beautiful body that shines in all directions.
4.5 Rice-Gruel-Giver’s Mansion
Moggallana Bhante:
Devata, your beauty shines in all directions like the bright star named Osadhi.
What are the meritorious deeds that led to this happiness?
Tell me Devata, what kind of meritorious action did you do when you were in the human world to have gained this beauty that shines in all directions, and to have earned all these wonderful things?
That devata, delighted at being questioned by Arahant Moggallana, gladly explained what she had done that resulted in such great happiness.
Devata:
In the human world I lived in the city of Andhakavinda. One day I offered some gruel cooked with jujube and flavored with oil to the Supreme Buddha, Kinsman of the Sun. I tried to make it very delicious adding pepper, garlic, and other tasty ingredients. With a delighted heart I offered that medicinal gruel to the Supreme Buddha.
If one becomes the beautiful queen on a wheel-turning monarch, the happiness she experiences is not even worth a sixteenth part of the result of this rice-gruel gift.
A hundred gold coins, a hundred horses, a hundred chariots pulled by mules, a hundred thousand maidens decorated in beautiful ornaments—happiness gained from these items is not worth a sixteenth part of the result of this rice-gruel gift.
Even the happiness gained from a hundred Himalayan elephants with round tusks like wheels and necks decorated with golden ornaments is not worth a sixteenth part of the result of this rice-gruel gift.
Even if someone became the ruler of this whole earth, a wheel-turning monarch, even his happiness is not worth a sixteenth part of the result of this rice-gruel gift.
4.6 Monastery Mansion
Anuruddha Bhante:
Devata, your beauty shines in all directions like the bright star named Osadhi.
When you dance, beautiful divine sounds and fragrance come from your limbs. As you dance and as your hair blows, the bells in your hair play lovely music. Also, as wind blows on the garland-crown on your head it plays sweet music. Your garland-crown looks and smells beautiful like a manjusaka tree full of fragrant flowers.
Do you smell these scents? Have you seen your beauty? We now ask you, what kind of meritorious actions did you do to have gained these results?
Devata:
Bhante, in the human world I had a friend who lived in the city of Savatthi. She built a great monastery for the community of monks. I was extremely happy about that. I sincerely rejoiced in her gift and the merit that she gained. The sight of that monastery was pleasing to my eyes.
As a result of truly rejoicing in my friend’s meritorious deed, this wonderful divine mansion has appeared for me.
Due to the power of my meritorious deed, this divine mansion spreads for sixteen kilometers into the sky and shines brightly in all directions. In my mansion, there are huge rooms divided into sections.
There are lotus ponds filled with heavenly fish. The water in the pond is clear, filled with many kinds of lotuses that give off a sweet smell when the wind blows. The banks of the pond are covered with golden sand.
Inside my mansion grow all sorts of trees: rose-apples, jackfruits, palms and coconuts. I am surrounded by beautiful music and the sound of many goddesses. Even if someone sees me only in a dream they will be happy.
A mansion like mine, excellent, beautiful and gleaming, has been created for me because of my meritorious deeds. This is why we should do good actions.
Anuruddha Bhante:
Since you rejoiced in your friend’s excellent gift, you have received this beautiful mansion. Tell me what happened to your friend. Where was she reborn?
Devata:
That friend of mine offered that large monastery for the Noble Sangha. She understood the Four Noble Truths clearly and made offerings with that understanding. She was reborn in the Nimmanarati Heaven. She is now the chief queen of Sunimmita, king of that heaven. I can’t even imagine the sensual pleasures she is now enjoying because of her gift. You asked me where she was reborn, and I told you as it is.
After hearing about the results of this gift, tell others to happily give gifts to the Noble Sangha and listen to the Dhamma with minds of faith. To be born as a human is very rare, and now you have this chance.
The Supreme Buddha, with golden skin and a sweet voice, taught us this excellent way: happily give gifts to the Noble Sangha, where gifts give the best results.
The Noble Sangha has eight kinds of people grouped in four pairs. These disciples of the Buddha are worthy of gifts. Gifts given to them will be of great fruit: Stream-Enterer, Once-Returner, Non-Returner, Arahant, and the other four who are on the path to these states. The Noble Sangha is true to their purpose with concentration, wisdom, and morality.
Human beings give alms wanting to make merit. The merit they gain when giving to the Noble Sangha will bear fruitful results in their future lives.
The Noble Sangha is full of goodness and has become great. It is impossible to measure its greatness, just as it is impossible to measure the water in the ocean. Followers of the Great Hero, the Supreme Buddha, are the best kind of people, bringing light wherever they preach the Dhamma.
Those who give gifts such as food, shelter, medicine, and clothing to the whole Noble Sangha, have given their gifts correctly, have made their offerings correctly, and have made their sacrifice correctly. Those gifts are very beneficial and are praised by the Supreme Buddha, the Knower of the World.
People should always recollect the gifts they have given to the Noble Sangha. This will bring them happiness. They should completely remove the stain of stinginess. Then they can be born in heaven and be praised by the wise.
4.7 Four Women Mansion
Moggallana Bhante saw four devatas and questioned each of them.
Moggallana Bhante:
Devata, your beauty shines in all directions like the bright star named Osadhi.
What are the meritorious deeds that led to this happiness?
Tell me Devata, what kind of meritorious action did you do when you were in the human world to have gained this beauty that shines in all directions, and to have earned all these wonderful things?
The first devata, delighted at being questioned by Arahant Moggallana, gladly explained what she had done that resulted in such great happiness.
First Devata:
In the human world I lived in the great city of Pannakata in the mountains of Esika. One day, I saw a monk going on his almsround and I offered him a bouquet of yellow flowers.
Because of this meritorious deed, I have been born as a very beautiful devata and enjoy all the wonderful things that delight my heart.
That is why the pure radiance of my body and limbs is stainless and shines in all directions.
Great Bhante, that is the meritorious action I did to have such a beautiful body.
Moggallana Bhante:
Devata, your beauty shines in all directions like the bright star named Osadhi.
What is the meritorious deed that led to this happiness?
Tell me Devata, what kind of meritorious action did you do when you were in the human world to have gained this beauty that shines in all directions, and to have earned all these wonderful things?
The second devata, delighted at being questioned by Arahant Moggallana, gladly explained what she had done that resulted in such great happiness.
Second Devata:
In the human world I lived in the great city of Pannakata in the mountains of Esika. One day, I saw a monk going on his almsround and I offered him a bouquet of blue water lilies.
Because of this meritorious deed, I have been born as a very beautiful devata and enjoy all the wonderful things that delight my heart.
That is why the pure radiance of my body and limbs is stainless and shines in all directions.
Great Bhante, that is the meritorious action I did to have such a beautiful body.
Moggallana Bhante:
Devata, your beauty shines in all directions like the bright star named Osadhi.
What is the meritorious deed that led to this happiness?
Tell me Devata, what kind of meritorious action did you do when you were in the human world to have gained this beauty that shines in all directions, and to have earned all these wonderful things?
The third devata, delighted at being questioned by Arahant Moggallana, gladly explained what she had done that resulted in such great happiness.
Third Devata:
In the human world I lived in the great city of Pannakata in the mountains of Esika. One day, I saw a monk going on his almsround and I gave him a bouquet of lotuses with white roots and green leaves which I picked from the pond.
Because of this meritorious deed, I have been born as a very beautiful devata and enjoy all the wonderful things that delight my heart.
That is why the pure radiance of my body and limbs is stainless and shines in all directions.
Great Bhante, that is the meritorious action I did to have such a beautiful body.
Moggallana Bhante:
Devata, your beauty shines in all directions like the bright star named Osadhi.
What is the meritorious deed that led to this happiness?
Tell me Devata, what kind of meritorious action did you do when you were in the human world to have gained this beauty that shines in all directions, and to have earned all these wonderful things?
The fourth devata, delighted at being questioned by Arahant Moggallana, gladly explained what she had done that resulted in such great happiness.
Fourth Devata:
In the human world I lived in the great city of Pannakata in the mountains of Esika. One day, I saw a monk going on his almsround and I gave him a bouquet of ivory colored jasmine buds.
Because of this meritorious deed, I have been born as a very beautiful devata and enjoy all the wonderful things that delight my heart.
That is why the pure radiance of my body and limbs is stainless and shines in all directions.
Great Bhante, that is the meritorious action I did to have such a beautiful body.
4.8 Mango Mansion
Moggallana Bhante:
Dear Devata, your heavenly mango grove is delightful and your mansion is very large. The sound of various musical instruments and the chatting of happy devatas can be heard around the mansion. There is a golden lamp that never goes out. There are trees with fruits made of divine cloth.
What are the meritorious deeds that led to this happiness?
Tell me Devata, what kind of meritorious action did you do when you were in the human world to have gained this beauty that shines in all directions, and to have earned all these wonderful things?
That devata, delighted at being questioned by Arahant Moggallana, gladly explained what she had done that resulted in such great happiness.
Devata:
In my previous life, I was a woman in the human world. I built a monastery and offered it to the Noble Sangha. That monastery was surrounded by mango trees. When the monastery was completed, at the opening ceremony, I decorated the trees with ornaments shaped like mangoes that I made from beautiful cloth. I lit a lamp there and offered alms to the monks. On that day, with a happy mind, I offered that monastery to the Noble Sangha with my own hands.
That is why I have received this delightful heavenly mango grove and large mansion. The sound of various musical instruments and the chatting of happy devatas can be heard around the mansion. There is a golden lamp that never goes out. There are trees with fruits made of divine cloth.
Because of these meritorious deeds, I have been born as a very beautiful devata and enjoy all the wonderful things that delight my heart.
That is why the pure radiance of my body and limbs is stainless and shines in all directions.
Great Bhante, those were the meritorious deeds I did to have such a beautiful body.
4.9 Mansion of Yellow Flowers
God Sakka:
Dear Deva, you are wearing yellow clothes and jewelry. You have put on yellow sandalwood cream and you have decorated yourself with yellow lotuses and yellow scarves. Your mansion is yellow; even your furniture is yellow. Furthermore, your plates and bowls are yellow. There are also yellow umbrellas, vehicles, horses, and fans. Everything in this mansion is yellow.
Tell me Devata, what kind of meritorious action did you do when you were in the human world? We ask about the action that gave this result.
Devata:
God Sakka, Lord of Devas, in the human world there were vines with tiny yellow flowers. One day I plucked four flowers without thinking about gaining any special results. Then I went to the stupa containing the relics of the Supreme Buddha.
While I was thinking about the sacred body of the Supreme Buddha, my heart was delighted. I was always thinking about that stupa. I did not realize there was a cow chasing me.
Before I could offer the flowers to the stupa, I was killed by that cow. If I had collected the merit of offering the flowers, my happiness would have been much better than this. Great Sakka, because of that meritorious deed, I was reborn here after I left the human world.
The leader of the Tavatimsa Heaven, God Sakka, also called Maghava, told his chariot driver, Deva Matali, about that excellent meritorious deed. Other devas were also happily listening to him.
God Sakka:
Dear Matali, look at this excellent result. Isn’t this wonderful? Although the object which she was going to offer was very small, it generated a great result. If one gives even a very small thing with a confident heart to the Supreme Buddha or to a disciple of the Buddha, the result is not small.
Dear Matali, come, we too shall go worship the relics of the Supreme Buddha. Collecting merit always gives happiness. If people offer something to the Supreme Buddha when he is alive or after he has passed away, as long as they have the same confident mind on both occasions, the results will be the same. Beings are reborn in heaven because of their confident minds.
Those who respect the Supreme Buddha are reborn in heaven. Surely, Supreme Buddhas are born into this world for the benefit of all beings.
4.10 Sugar Cane Mansion
Moggallana Bhante:
Devata, you shine like the sun which illuminates the sky and the earth. You shine like a great Brahma who shines brighter than Sakka and the Tavatimsa devas. You surpass others with your beauty, fame, and power.
Devata, you are wearing blue lotus garlands, your skin is the color of gold, and you are adorned with beautiful gowns. Now that you are worshiping me, I ask you: who are you?
What kind of meritorious action did you do in the past? Did you practice generosity well, or follow precepts? How were you born in this heaven? I ask you about the action that gave this result.
Devata:
Bhante, in this village where we are now, you came to our house on your almsround. I was pleased to see you. I offered you a small piece of sugar-cane with a delighted heart.
Later, when my mother-in-law came home, she asked me, “Daughter-in-law, where did you put my sugar-cane?” and I told her, “I neither threw it away nor ate it. I offered it to a peaceful monk.” My mother-in-law got very angry. Scolding me, she said, “Hey! Are you the owner of this house or am I? Who makes the decisions here?” She hit me with a stone and I died instantly. I was reborn as a devata in this heaven.
That was the meritorious action I did to enjoy this divine happiness surrounded by gods. The god Sakka protects the Tavatimsa Heaven and the Tavatimsa devas protect me. The result of the offering of a small sugar-cane was not small. It bore great fruit. I enjoy happiness in the heavenly Nandana Park like the god Sakka.
Bhante, you are very compassionate and wise. I came here to ask about your well-being and to worship you. I have received all these wonderful things having offered a small piece of sugar-cane to you with a mind of faith and a joyful heart.
4.11 Honoring Mansion
Moggallana Bhante:
Devata, your beauty shines in all directions like the bright star named Osadhi.
What are the meritorious deeds that led to this happiness?
Tell me Devata, what kind of meritorious action did you do when you were in the human world to have gained this beauty that shines in all directions, and to have earned all these wonderful things?
That devata, delighted at being questioned by Arahant Moggallana, gladly explained what she had done that resulted in such great happiness.
Devata:
Previously, I was a woman in the human world. I saw many virtuous monks and worshiped their feet with a very happy mind. I worshiped and honored them by putting my hands together.
Because of this meritorious deed, I have been born as a very beautiful devata and enjoy all the wonderful things that delight my heart.
That is why the pure radiance of my body and limbs is stainless and shines in all directions.
Great Bhante, that is the meritorious action I did to have such a beautiful body.
4.12 Rajjumala’s Mansion
Moggallana Bhante:
Devata, your beauty shines in all directions like the bright star named Osadhi.
When you dance, divine music and sweet fragrance spread from your hands and feet. Also, the ornaments on your head play delightful music. The bouquet of flowers on your head spreads sweet fragrance, like that of a manjusaka tree, and plays music when the breeze blows on it. Surely, you must smell that fragrance and see your own divine body?
Tell me Devata, what kind of meritorious action did you do when you were in the human world to have gained this beauty that shines in all directions, and to have earned all these wonderful things?
Devata:
In my previous life, I was in the human world living in the city called Gaya. I was a servant girl working in a high-caste family. I did not have much merit and was very unfortunate. Everybody called me Rajjumala. I was abused, threatened, and beaten. I was tired of living that way.
One day I took a water pot and, pretending to get some water, I ran away. I ran into the forest beside the road. There I contemplated suicide. I thought that there was no point in living like this. I made a strong noose and tied it to a tree. I looked around to see whether anybody was there. Then I saw the Supreme Buddha, the most compassionate teacher of all beings in the world, sitting at the root of a tree meditating, free from all fears.
I was shocked and surprised. The hairs on my body stood on end. I thought, “Who is that being in this forest – is he a human or a god?” The sight of him was thrilling. He has escaped from the forest of defilements and attained the bliss of calmness. When I saw him I was delighted. I realized that he was not an ordinary human. The Blessed One lived with restrained senses, delighting in meditation with his mind established in Nibbana. Truly, he is the Supreme Buddha, the most compassionate teacher in the world.
Like a lion living in his cave, the Blessed One is not afraid of anything. Seeing a brave Buddha is very rare, like seeing an udumbara flower. The Supreme Buddha called to me gently, saying, “Rajjumala,” and asked me to go for refuge to the Supreme Buddha. When I heard those sweet, gentle, meaningful, soft, and lovely words all my sorrows went away. My mind was joyful and clean. I was ready to understand the Dhamma. At that time, the most compassionate teacher in the world taught me the Dhamma, saying, “This is suffering, this is the cause of suffering, this is the end of suffering, and this is the way leading to deathlessness.” I followed the advice of the most compassionate and skilled teacher, the Supreme Buddha. I understood the peaceful and deathless state, Nibbana. With the realization of the Four Noble Truths, my love towards the Buddha became strong, unshakable, well rooted and well established. I became a daughter born of the heart of the Supreme Buddha.
Now, I enjoy living in this heaven, playing and dancing. I do not have any fear of falling into the plains of misery again. I wear divine flower garlands and drink water from the divine river Madhumaddava. Sixty thousand musical instruments wake me from my sleep. Devas entertain me. Their names are Alamba, Gaggara, Bhima, Sadhuvadin, Samsaya, Pokkhara, and Suphassa. Other devatas, including Vina, Mokkha, Nanda, Sunanda, Sonadinna, Sucimhita, Alambusa, Missakesi, Pundarika, Athicharuni, Eniphassa, Suphassa, Subhadda, and Muduvadini entertain me as well. These and many other devatas entertain me with divine music coming to me whenever I wish. They approach me saying, “Come now! Let’s dance and sing! We are here to entertain you.”
Those without merit will not receive mansions like this. Only those with merit receive this happiness in the heavenly Nandana Park in the Tavatimsa Heaven.
Those who have not collected merit will not get any happiness in their current life or the next. Only those who have collected merit get happiness in both the current and next life. Those who would like to be reborn in the Tavatimsa Heaven must collect much merit. Only people who do good things are able to enjoy heavenly pleasures.
Definitely, Supreme Buddhas are born into this world for the happiness of all beings. Thus, Buddhas are the unique treasure of fields where donors can plant their seed of merit. Having respected such great beings, these fortunate people enjoy heavenly pleasures.