The "Linked Discourses With Deities" features dialogues between the Buddha and various deities, beings who visit, often at night, to engage in dialogues about the Dhamma. These suttas, frequently featuring verses, explore a wide range of topics, from the nature of suffering to the path of liberation. The devas, depicted as luminous and reverent, approach the Awakened One with questions or reflections, revealing their eagerness to deepen their understanding. This collection highlights the universal reach of the Buddha’s teachings, extending even to beings of higher realms seeking wisdom.
Devatāsaṁyutta - Linked Discourses with Deities
The Buddha crossed the flood of suffering without any support and without struggling.
The Buddha describes how he knows of the release, liberation and independence for living beings.
For one brought to old age, there are no shelters.
Time flies by, one should abandon world's bait, looking for peace.
A deity asks the Buddha on how many things should one cut off, abandon, and develop to cross over the flood.
A deity asks the Buddha how many are asleep among those awake, how many are awake among those asleep, how many stir up the dust, and how many purify it.
Those who do not understand the teachings are led by others' views and do not awaken from sleep.
Those who are totally confused about the teachings are led by others' views and do not awaken from sleep.
One who is fond of conceit cannot be tamed, nor can one who is uncollected attain sagehood. Dwelling with negligence, such a one would not cross beyond the realm of death.
A deity asks the Buddha how the complexion of those dwelling in the wilderness and living the spiritual life becomes serene.
Excessive sleep, sluggishness, yawning, discontent, and post-meal drowsiness can obstruct the noble path from appearing.
Do you have a little hut, a nest, or ties that extend? Are you freed from bondage?
A deity asks the Blessed One what is good until old age, what is good when established, what is a treasure for humans, and what cannot be stolen by thieves.