The "Connected Discourses with Young Deities" features young celestial beings, often newly reborn from human lives, who come to the Buddha or his disciples to express their insights or seek further guidance. These suttas, rich with verse, delve into themes of kamma, rebirth, and the pursuit of wisdom, as the young devas reflect on their past actions and their current exalted state. Portrayed with a mix of awe and curiosity, these beings engage in poignant exchanges that underscore the continuity of the spiritual journey across realms. This collection offers a vivid exploration of how past deeds shape present existence, even among the divine.
Devaputtasaṁyutta - Connected Discourses with Young Deities
Paṭhama vagga - The First Chapter
The first chapter of the Connected Discourses with Young Deities, containing discourses 1–10.
The young deity Kassapa, on Buddha’s invitation, shares a verse on the instruction for a bhikkhu.
The young deity Kassapa shares a verse on the instruction for a bhikkhu.
The young deity Māgha asks the Buddha in a verse on what to cut off to sleep with ease and grieve no more. The Buddha advises to cut off anger.
Anāthapiṇḍika vagga - The Chapter with Anāthapiṇḍika
The second chapter of the Connected Discourses with Young Deities, containing discourses 11–20.
A young deity recites a verse to the Buddha about the shortness of life and the importance of doing meritorious deeds.
Household Anāthapiṇḍika, after passing away, appears as a young deity and recites verses to the Buddha on the value of thoroughly examining the Dhamma.
Nānātitthiya vagga - The Chapter on Various Sectarians
The third chapter of the Connected Discourses with Young Deities, containing discourses 21–30.
The young deity Siva recites a verse to the Buddha about the importance of associating with the wise and the good.
A young deity observes that time flies by and speaks on performing meritorious deeds. The Buddha agrees with the observation but instead advises to drop the world's bait, and seek peace.
A young deity asks how to escape the body, described as a defiled form with “nine openings” bound by greed. The Buddha explains that escape requires severing specific mental bonds - one must cut the “strap” of grudge and the “harness” of craving, and uproot all harmful desires.