Devas are a type of supernatural being in Sri Lankan mythology, derived from the Indo-European concept of deva (shinging one). They are often depicted as benevolent beings who assist humans in various ways, but are also subject to the cycle of rebirth and karma. Devas are not worshipped or revered as ultimate sources of refuge, but are respected as beings who have attained higher states of existence through their meritorious deeds.
History[]
According to Sri Lankan mythology, the devas were a mythical people who lived among the naga (serpents), yakkha (ogres) and rakshasa (demons) in ancient Lanka. They were defeated by King Ravana, a powerful rakshasa king who ruled over Lanka with an iron fist. Ravana abducted Sita, the wife of Rama, an avatar of Vishnu, and sparked a war between the forces of good and evil. Rama was aided by his brother Lakshmana, his devotee Hanuman, and an army of vanara (monkeys) and bears. He also received the support of Vibhishana, a brother of Ravana who defected to his side and became the king of Lanka after Ravana's death.
Gautama Buddha converted many devas to Buddhism during his visits to Lanka, and some of them became his followers and protectors. One of them was Sumana Saman, who is worshipped as a deity by some Sri Lankan Buddhists.
Classification[]
Devas are a type of supernatural being in Buddhism who share the characteristics of being more powerful, longer-lived, and happier than humans, but are still subject to the cycle of rebirth. They can be classified into three main categories: the desire realm (kamadhatu), the form realm (rupadhatu), and the formless realm (arupadhatu). Within each realm, there are further subdivisions of deva realms that vary in their degree of bliss and subtlety.
Some devas are associated with natural phenomena, such as the sun, the moon, the wind, the rain, and the seasons. Others are guardians of certain directions, such as the four great kings (caturmaharaja)who protect the four cardinal points. Some devas are patrons of certain arts, sciences, or virtues, such as Saraswati, the goddess of learning and music, or Brahma, the creator god. Some devas are former human beings who attained heavenly rebirth through their good deeds or meditation, such as Indra, the king of gods, or Maitreya, the future Buddha.
Relationship with humans[]
Devas can interact with humans in various ways, depending on their nature and inclination. Some devas may help humans by granting them boons, blessings, protection, or guidance. Some devas may harm humans by causing calamities, diseases, obstacles, or temptations. Some devas may be indifferent to humans and focus on their own pleasures or pursuits. Some devas may be friendly to humans and seek their company or friendship.
Humans can communicate with devas through various means, such as prayers, offerings, rituals, meditation, dreams, visions, or signs. Humans can also influence devas by performing good or bad deeds that affect their karma and rebirth. Humans can aspire to be reborn as devas by cultivating virtues such as generosity, morality, wisdom, compassion, and devotion.
However, devas are not considered as ultimate sources of refuge or salvation in Buddhism. They are still subject to impermanence, suffering, and ignorance. They are still bound by their desires and attachments that prevent them from attaining liberation from samsara. They are still inferior to enlightened beings such as buddhas and arhats who have transcended all worldly limitations and defilements.