1.1 Throne Mansion
Moggallana Bhante:
Dear Devata, you are sitting on a golden throne. It flies wherever you want, and as quickly as you want it to. You are beautifully dressed, wearing garlands of flowers, and you are radiant, like lightning shining through the clouds.
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:
Bhante, when I was in the human world, a monk visited our house and I prepared a chair for him to sit on. Raising my hands and putting my palms and fingers together, I saluted that monk respectfully. I also offered almsfood to him.
Because of these meritorious deeds, I have been born as a very beautiful devata and enjoy all the wonderful things that delight my heart.
Great Bhante, these are the meritorious deeds I did to have such a beautiful body that shines in all directions.
1.2 Second Throne Mansion
Moggallana Bhante:
Dear Devata, you are sitting on a throne made of beryl gemstones. It flies wherever you want, and as quickly as you want it to. You are beautifully dressed, wearing garlands of flowers, and you are radiant, like lightning shining through the clouds.
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:
Bhante, when I was in the human world, a monk visited our house and I prepared a chair for him to sit on. Raising my hands and putting my palms and fingers together, I saluted that monk respectfully. I also offered almsfood to him.
Because of these meritorious deeds, I have been born as a very beautiful devata and enjoy all the wonderful things that delight my heart.
Great Bhante, these are the meritorious deeds I did to have such a beautiful body that shines in all directions.
1.3 Third Throne Mansion
Moggallana Bhante:
Dear Devata, you are sitting on a golden throne. It flies wherever you want, and as quickly as you want it to. You are beautifully dressed, wearing garlands of flowers, and you are radiant, like lightning shining through the clouds.
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:
Bhante, when I was in the human world I did a very small meritorious act. One day, I saw a monk without defilements, calm in mind, free from agitation. My mind was pleased at the sight of that monk; I had great confidence in him. I offered him a chair that I had prepared with my own hands.
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 is the meritorious action I did to have such a beautiful body that shines in all directions.
1.4 Fourth Throne Mansion
Moggallana Bhante:
Dear Devata, you are sitting on a throne made of beryl gemstones. It flies wherever you want, and as quickly as you want it to. You are beautifully dressed, wearing garlands of flowers, and you are radiant, like lightning shining through the clouds.
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:
Bhante, when I was in the human world I did a very small meritorious act. One day, I saw a monk without defilements, calm in mind, free from agitation. My mind was pleased at the sight of that monk; I had great confidence in him. I offered him a chair that I had prepared with my own hands.
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 is the meritorious action I did to have such a beautiful body that shines in all directions.
1.5 Elephant Mansion
Moggallana Bhante:
Devata, your mansion is a divine elephant decorated with various jewels. It is pleasing and powerful. It is very fast and moves smoothly through the air.
Your eyes are as beautiful as lotus petals. The color of your elephant is like blue and red lotuses. Its whole body is covered with lotus powder and it is wearing lotus garlands made of gold.
Your elephant travels over a road that is covered in lotus flowers and leaves. The way your elephant walks is charming and pleasing. As it steps forward, golden bells, sweet in tone, are heard. The sound is like an orchestra.
As you are seated on that great elephant’s back, decorated and wearing divine clothes, your beauty is greater than all the other devas.
Is all this the fruit of your generosity, your virtuous behavior, or because you worshiped monks in the past? Please answer my questions, so that I may know.
That devata, delighted at being questioned by Arahant Moggallana, gladly explained what she had done that resulted in such great happiness.
Devata:
Bhante, one day I saw a monk who meditated frequently and had very noble qualities. I offered him a chair covered with cloth and lotus flowers. Using lotus garlands and flowers, I decorated the floor around the chair with my own hands.
As a result of these meritorious deeds, I have received these wonderful things. I am treated with great care and respected in this heavenly world and I am honored by the other devas.
Surely, if someone with a confident heart offers a seat to those who are free from defilements and are calm in mind, that person will experience great happiness, just as I do now.
Someone who cares about his own well-being and who wants to experience good results should offer seats to Arahants who are in their final body.
1.6 Ship Mansion
Moggallana Bhante:
Devata, your divine mansion is a ship with a roof made of gold. It floats on a pond filled with lotus flowers. You happily pick those lotus flowers with your own hands.
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. One day, I saw several monks who were very thirsty and had fallen to the ground. I got up quickly and offered them water to drink.
Now I know if people offer water to a monk who is thirsty, cool ponds full of white lotuses will appear for them in the heavenly world. Further, their divine mansions will be surrounded with beautiful sandy beaches where streams of water flow smoothly. Mango trees, sala trees, tilakas, rose apples, cassias and trumpet flowers will be in full bloom everywhere. These beautiful mansions appear in such places. They shine brilliantly.
Bhante, that was my meritorious deed which gave me this wonderful result. Only those who do meritorious deeds deserve this happiness.
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 is the meritorious action I did to have such a beautiful body that shines in all directions.
1.7 Second Ship Mansion
Moggallana Bhante:
Devata, your divine mansion is a ship with a roof made of gold. It floats on a pond filled with lotus flowers. You happily pick those lotus flowers with your own hands.
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. One day, I saw a monk who was very thirsty and had fallen to the ground. I got up quickly and offered him water to drink.
Now I know if people offer water to a monk who is thirsty, cool ponds full of white lotuses will appear for them in the heavenly world. Furthermore, their divine mansions will be surrounded with beautiful sandy beaches where streams of water flow smoothly. Mango trees, sala trees, tilakas, rose apples, cassias and trumpet flowers will be in full bloom everywhere. These beautiful mansions appear in such places. They shine brilliantly.
Bhante, that was my meritorious deed which gave me this wonderful result. Only those who do meritorious deeds deserve this happiness.
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 is the meritorious action I did to have such a beautiful body that shines in all directions.
1.8 Third Ship Mansion
Supreme Buddha:
Devata, your divine mansion is a ship with a roof made of gold. It floats on a pond that is filled with lotus flowers. You happily pick those lotus flowers with your own hands.
Your divine mansion is huge and is separated into many different rooms. It shines in all directions.
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 the Supreme Buddha, 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. One day, I saw several monks who were very thirsty and had fallen to the ground. I got up quickly and offered them water to drink.
Now I know if people offer water to a monk who is thirsty, cool ponds full of white lotuses will appear for them in the heavenly world. Furthermore, their divine mansions will be surrounded with beautiful sandy beaches where streams of water flow smoothly. Mango trees, sala trees, tilakas, rose apples, cassias and trumpet flowers will be in full bloom everywhere. These beautiful mansions appear in such places. They shine brilliantly.
Bhante, that was my meritorious deed which gave me this wonderful result. Only those who do meritorious deeds deserve this happiness.
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 is the meritorious action I did to have such a beautiful body that shines in all directions.
1.9 Lamp Mansion
Moggallana Bhante:
Devata, your beauty shines in all directions like the bright star named Osadhi.
What are the meritorious deeds you have done to gain this happiness?
Devata, the pure radiance of your body and limbs is stainless and shines in all directions.
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. One night, there was a certain area which was very dark. People desperately needed light there. I lighted that area with a lamp.
Now I know for certian, if someone provides lamps to light a dark area, that person is reborn in the heavenly mansion called Jotirasa. There are beautiful flowers there like white lotuses.
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 that shines in all directions.
1.10 Sesame-Gift 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?
Devata, the pure radiance of your body and limbs is stainless and shines in all directions.
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. One day I saw the Supreme Buddha who was free from defilements and had a peaceful mind. I knew very well that the Buddha was worthy of gifts and therefore my mind had confidence in him. I was a little worried because I did not have valuable things to offer. But still, I offered some sesame seeds with my own hands.
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 is the meritorious action I did to have such a beautiful body that shines in all directions.
1.11 Honest Wife Mansion
Moggallana Bhante:
Dear Devata, your mansion is very beautiful. It is decorated with all kinds of flowers. Divine herons, peacocks, geese, and sweet-voiced cuckoos fly around the mansion. Pretty gods and goddesses are always dancing and singing to entertain you.
Devata, you are very mighty, possessing many kinds of psychic powers. 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 was a very honest and faithful wife. I never had a desire for someone else’s husband. I protected my husband like a mother protects her only child. There were times that I got angry, but I never spoke harshly to him.
I never told lies; lying was not a part of my life. I delighted in giving and sharing. I practiced generosity with a happy mind. I offered food and drink with respect.
Because of these meritorious deeds, I have been born as a very beautiful devata and enjoy all the wonderful things that delight my heart.
Great Bhante, these are the meritorious deeds I did to have such a beautiful body that shines in all directions.
1.12 Second Honest Wife Mansion
Moggallana Bhante:
Dear Devata, your mansion is very beautiful. It is decorated with various carvings made of beryl and other gemstones. Pretty gods and goddesses are always dancing and singing to entertain you.
Devata, you are very mighty, possessing various kinds of psychic powers.
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, a lay disciple of the very wise Supreme Buddha.
I abstained from killing, stealing, taking intoxicants, and lying. I was content with my own husband and did not want to think of other men. I practiced generosity with a happy mind. I offered food and drink with respect.
Because of these meritorious deeds, I have been born as a very beautiful devata and enjoy all the wonderful things that delight my heart.
Great Bhante, those were the meritorious deeds I did to have such a beautiful body that shines in all directions.
1.13 Daughter-in-Law 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 my previous life, I was a woman in the human world, a daughter-in-law living in my father-in-law’s house. One day I was pleased to see a monk who was free from defilements and had a peaceful mind.
I had two oil cakes and happily offered one to the monk with my own hands. To my amazement, I was reborn in the heavenly Nandana Park as a goddess.
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.
1.14 Second Daughter-in-Law 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 my previous life, I was a woman in the human world, a daughter-in-law living in my father-in-law’s house. One day I was pleased to see a monk who was free from defilements and had a peaceful mind.
I offered a honey-covered cake to that monk. To my amazement, I was reborn in the heavenly Nandana Park as a goddess.
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.
1.15 Uttara’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 my previous life, I was a housewife in the human world. I did not envy anyone. I was not greedy, nor was I arrogant. I was obedient to my husband and did not get angry at him. I was eager to observe the Eight Precepts four times a month on each of the four moon phases. I led a restrained life and was very generous.
I abstained from killing, stealing, lying, and taking intoxicants. I did not cheat on my husband. I was delighted to keep these Five Precepts every day. I was a lay follower of Gautama Supreme Buddha who had the great wisdom to see the reality of the world. I was wise enough to realize the Four Noble Truths.
Because of my virtuous life and meritorious deeds, I live very happily here. I have been born as a beautiful devata and enjoy all the wonderful things that delight my heart.
Great Bhante, those were the meritorious deeds I did to have such a beautiful body that shines in all directions.
Please Bhante, pay homage on my behalf by placing your head on the Blessed One’s sacred feet and saying, “Bhante, the lay follower named Uttara pays homage by placing her head on the Blessed One’s sacred feet.” The Blessed One stated that I have attained a certain fruit of enlightenment. I too know that.
Bhante, the Supreme Buddha declared that I have attained the fruit of once returner.
1.16 Sirima’s Mansion
Vangisa Bhante:
Devata, your chariot is very beautiful. The divine horses that pull it are very powerful and fast, and they are decorated with various ornaments. These horses travel down through the sky. Just as horses obey their driver, these horses take you to wherever your mind wishes to go. You have received five hundred chariots. Is this not the result of a powerful act of merit?
While you sit in the chariot decorated with ornaments, you shine like a fire which provides bright light. Devata, you are extremely beautiful. From which heavenly world did you come here to visit the Supreme Buddha?
Devata:
Bhante, the heavenly world that I came from is a great place even amongst the other heavenly worlds. There the gods create whatever divine pleasures they wish for and delight in their creation. I am a goddess from that heaven and I too have created various wonderful things according to my wish. I have come from that heaven to pay homage to the Supreme Buddha.
Vangisa Bhante:
Devata, you possess psychic powers and your body illuminates all the directions. Surrounded and respected by many gods, you are traveling through the sky. Tell me where you lived before you were born as a goddess. Whose teaching did you follow? Are you a follower of the Supreme Buddha? What kind of meritorious actions did you do in the past?
Devata:
In the human world there once was a beautiful city called Rajagaha surrounded by five mountains. I was a queen of the famous king Bimbisara. I was very talented in dancing and singing. Everyone knew me as Sirima.
The Supreme Buddha is a great teacher. He is very skilled at training gods and humans. My great teacher, the Supreme Buddha, taught me the Four Noble Truths. He taught that suffering and the cause of suffering are impermanent. He taught me the end of suffering, Nibbana, which is unconditioned and unchanging. And he taught me the Noble Eightfold Path which is a straight and excellent way leading to the end of suffering.
Having learned about the bliss of Nibbana from the unsurpassed teacher, the Supreme Buddha, I had great confidence in that teaching. I kept the precepts well and led a very restrained life.
I recognized the true way to Nibbana and understood clearly the teachings of the Supreme Buddha. I developed concentration through serene meditation. That concentration became a key factor of my practice.
I realized the Four Noble Truths. I am free from doubt in the teachings. Many gods honor me and I enjoy many wonderful things here.
I am a follower of the wisest teacher, the Supreme Buddha, and I am headed to Nibbana. Through the realization of the Four Noble Truths, I have reached the first stage of enlightenment, the fruit of stream entry. I have escaped from all bad destinations.
I came to worship my great teacher, the Supreme Buddha. The sight of virtuous monks is also pleasing to me and I worship them happily.
The most supreme, matchless trainer of beings, the Supreme Buddha, has cut off all cravings and delights in Nibbana. The Blessed One is compassionate to all beings. Even just seeing the Buddha is delightful. My happiness is beyond words. I pay homage to my great teacher, the Supreme Buddha.
1.17 Kesakari’s Mansion
Devata:
My mansion is very beautiful and shines in all directions. The pillars of the mansion are made of beryl gemstones. Golden trees decorate the surrounding garden. This mansion appeared as a result of my meritorious deeds.
God Sakka:
One hundred thousand goddesses were born before you here in this mansion to be your attendants. Now you enjoy their company and their service. The light of the full moon shines and surpasses the stars in brightness. The same goes for you: you shine brilliantly and surpass all the other goddesses. Your appearance is extraordinary.
All the gods in Tavatimsa Heaven, headed by me, are overcome with the desire to stare at the great Brahma and admire him. They cannot help but stare at him. So too, is your appearance. All the gods stare at you and admire you. Please tell me where you have come from. In which world did you live in before you were born here?
Devata:
God Sakka, I will tell you everything. In the human world, there is a city called Baranasi in the state of Kasi. I was a woman in that city and my name was Kesakarika. I had great confidence in the Supreme Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Noble Sangha. My faith in the Triple Gem was unshakable. All my doubts were removed. I kept the Five Precepts very purely and I attained the fruit of stream entry. As a result, I am surely headed to the realization of Nibbana.
God Sakka:
Excellent! You have great confidence in the Supreme Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Noble Sangha. Your faith in the Triple Gem is unshakable. All your doubts are removed. You lived under the Five Precepts very purely and you have attained the fruit of stream entry. As a result, you are surely heading to the realization of Nibbana.
Devata, you shine due to your Dhamma practice and your retinue of goddesses. You are greatly welcomed here in this world. We rejoice in your arrival here.