Devatanussati meditation

Next, we will introduce you to the Devatānussati bhāvanā, a new technique of meditation, which you have not known before. Devatānussati bhāvanā is the contemplation on gods, the heavenly beings. The Buddha teaches Dhamma not only to humans, but also to gods and brahmās. The Buddha is the teacher of gods and humans (satthādevamanussānaṁ). Heavenly beings also listen to the Buddha’s teaching and practice it. The Buddha is the knower of the world. With the Blessed One’s divine eye, the Buddha saw many heavenly worlds. The Buddha said that there are six heavenly worlds, namely, Cātummahārājika, Tāvatiṁsa, Yāma, Tusita, Nimmānarati, and Paranimmita Vasavatti. In addition, there are brahma worlds. The Buddha said gods and brahmās were born in those worlds because they cultivated five noble qualities when they were in the human world. These qualities are:

 

  1. Saddhā, which is the confidence in the Buddha
  2. Sīla or virtue, which is disciplining body and speech
  3. Suta, which is the knowledge of Dhamma
  4. Cāga, which is generosity
  5. Paññā is the wisdom to understand the Four Noble Truths

 

These are collectively known as ‘sekha bala’, or ‘powers of a trainee’. The humans who develop sekha bala will be reborn in the heavenly worlds upon death.

 

The disciple recollects thus: “Supreme Buddha, my teacher, taught that there are six heavenly worlds; they are, Cātummahārājika, Tāvatiṁsa, Yāma, Tusita, Nimmānarati, and Paranimmita wasavatti. Supreme Buddha, my teacher, taught that heavenly beings possess five noble qualities; they are Saddhā, Sīla, Suta, Cāga, and Paññā. Supreme Buddha, my teacher, taught that heavenly beings developed these noble qualities when they were in the human world. I also possess Saddhā, Sīla, Suta, Cāga, and Paññā, the noble qualities that heavenly beings possess. Whatever noble qualities the gods have, I also have those noble qualities”.

 

In this manner, one contemplates thinking that one possesses the same noble qualities of gods. One’s ability to see qualities of heavenly beings in him or her and one’s ability to see one’s noble qualities in gods is the devatānussati meditation.

 

During the time of the Buddha, disciples practiced devatānussati. There is a recent myth in society that one cannot make merit in heavenly worlds, which is untrue. Many disciples of the Buddha were born in the heavenly worlds. You, too, have the opportunity to develop this divinity in your life. By practicing devatānussati, one develops equanimity on the pleasures of the human world. Thus, one establishes his or her mind in heaven. At the breakup of the body, one who practices devatānussati will be reborn in the heavenly worlds. Having been born in heaven, one continues to practice Saddhā, Sīla, Suta, Cāga, and Paññā and develop the noble path leading to Nibbāna. Hence, devatānussati mediation helps with the realization of the Four Noble Truths.

Devatanussati meditation

  • Gods of the Cātummahārājika had developed great confidence (saddhā ) in the Supreme Buddha, Supreme Dhamma, and Supreme Sangha, when they were in the human world.
    Because of their great confidence in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha, at the breakup of the body they were born in heaven.
    I have also developed great confidence in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha similar to the confidence of gods.
    The great confidence I have in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha is a great gain for me, a great protection, and a true refuge for me.

 

  • Gods of the Cātummahārājika had abstained from killing beings, abstained from stealing, abstained from sexual misconduct, abstained from lying and abstained from taking intoxicants when they were in the human world.
    Gods of the Cātummahārājika had observed five precepts and eight precepts (sīla ) when they were in the human world.
    Having practiced precepts, at the breakup of the body, they were reborn in the Cātummahārājika heaven.
    I also observe the five precepts regularly and eight precepts four times a month on uposatha [on the four phases of the moon] days.
    My virtue is a great gain for me, a great protection, and a true refuge for me.

 

  • Gods of the Cātummahārājika had developed knowledge of the Dhamma (suta ) when they were in the human world by listening to the Dhamma, by remembering Dhamma and by wise-consideration of Dhamma.
    Having developed knowledge of the Dhamma, at the breakup of the body they were born in the Cātummahārājika heaven.
    I also develop knowledge of the Dhamma by listening to the Dhamma, by remembering the Dhamma and by wise-consideration of the Dhamma.
    My knowledge of the Dhamma is a great gain for me, a great protection, and a true refuge for me.

 

  • Gods of the Cātummahārājika had abandoned stinginess when they were in the human world, and donated to the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha, joyfully and believing in kamma and its results.
    Having practiced generosity (cāga), at the breakup of the body they were born in the Cātummahārājika heaven.
    Regularly, abandoning stinginess, I also donate to the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha.
    My generosity is a great gain for me, a great protection, and a true refuge for me.

 

  • Gods of the Cātummahārājik a had understood impermanence (anicca ), suffering (dukkha ) and non-self (anatta ) as well as the arising and cessation of body as taught by the Supreme Buddha when they were in the human world.
    In this way, having developed wisdom (paññā ) at the breakup of the body they were reborn in the Cātummahārājika heaven.
    I also live with the understanding of arising and cessation of body in relation to the four great elements (dhātu), the six sense faculties (salāyatano ) and five aggregates of clinging (panca upādānakkhando ).
    My wisdom is a great gain for me, a great protection, and a true refuge for me.

 

In this manner, a disciple practices the devatānussati meditation considering devas of other heavenly worlds, namely, Tāvatiṁsa, Yāma, Tusita, Nimmānarati, and Paranimmita wasavatti. He further considers that,

 

  • Gods of the Cātummahārājika … Tāvatiṁsa… Yāma … Tusita … Nimmānarati … and Paranimmita wasavatti were born in these heavenly worlds by developing the powers of a trainee (sekha bala: saddhā, sīla, suta, cāga and paññā ).

 

I too possess the same powers of a trainee.

My powers of a trainee are a great gain for me, a great protection, and a true refuge for me.