Preface
This collection of teachings and writings on devas was put together to share with our friends at Clear Mountain Monastery, Ajahn Nisabho and Ajahn Kovilo, as well Ajahn Achalo, whose teachings on devanussati have been an inspiration.
As they mentioned recently in one conversation, this subject is not talked about very often. Why is this so?
I wrote to Ajan Achalo last year,
Most teachers here {in the West} leave out other lives, other realms, and the spiritual support we can receive, and so of course, anything I can do to further the interest and understanding of these verities, I would be most happy to do so.
If such things as devas and higher realms do exist, then this is surely part of right view.
It goes to the validity of such things as our faith, devotion, and prayer, and, there is something universal about it.
In the essay, Sacred outlook – Seeing beyond ordinary perception in modern culture, and American Buddhism, included here, Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo said,
‘We are not alone. This universe is full of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas who are on our side. And, as is known in all Buddhist countries, although it is not always emphasized in the West, we can pray to them…
and she adds,
‘This is not being theistic – this is being practical. If there’s help out there, why not invoke that help?… ‘
I couldn’t agree more.
After putting together this first collection in 2025 I wrote out A few further thoughts on the deva realms. I did this both for my own sake, to be as complete and as clear about this as I can, and to share with Ajahn Achalo, and others.
I have included my correspondence with him in the beginning of that small book, for context.
A few further thoughts on the deva realms.pdf
May this be of benefit.
May the compassionate activity of the Buddhas and the Bodhisattvas continue to flourish
May we receive their blessings,
And may all their noble aims be fulfilled