Difference between revisions of "Cāturmahārājikakāyika"
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[[Cātummahārājika]] ([[Pāḷi]]; [[Sanskrit]]: [[Cāturmahārājikakāyika]]) [[Heaven]]. According to [[Buddhist cosmology]] this [[heavenly]] [[realm]] is the lowest [[heaven]] of the [[Desire Realm]] ([[Pāḷi]]: [[Kāmaloka]]; [[Sanskrit]]: [[Kāmadhātu]]), and it is located on the lower mountainside of [[Mount Neru]] ([[Pāḷi]]; [[Sanskrit]]: [[Meru]]). | [[Cātummahārājika]] ([[Pāḷi]]; [[Sanskrit]]: [[Cāturmahārājikakāyika]]) [[Heaven]]. According to [[Buddhist cosmology]] this [[heavenly]] [[realm]] is the lowest [[heaven]] of the [[Desire Realm]] ([[Pāḷi]]: [[Kāmaloka]]; [[Sanskrit]]: [[Kāmadhātu]]), and it is located on the lower mountainside of [[Mount Neru]] ([[Pāḷi]]; [[Sanskrit]]: [[Meru]]). | ||
| − | [[Cāturmahārājikakāyika]] or [[Cātummahārājika]] (Tib: [[rgyal chen bzhi]]; Jpn: [[四大王衆天]] [[Shidaiōshu-ten]]) – The [[world]] "of the [[Four Great Kings]]" is found on the lower slopes of [[Mount Sumeru]], though some of its inhabitants live in the air around the mountain. Its rulers are the [[four Great Kings]] of the name, [[Virūḍhaka]], [[Dhṛtarāṣṭra]], [[Virūpākṣa]], and their leader [[Vaiśravaṇa]]. The [[devas]] who guide the {{Wiki|Sun}} and {{Wiki|Moon}} are also considered part of this [[world]], as are the {{Wiki|retinues}} of the [[four kings]], composed of [[Kumbhāṇḍas]] ({{Wiki|dwarfs}}), [[Gandharvas]] ({{Wiki|fairies}}), [[Nāgas]] ([[dragons]]) and [[Yakṣas]] ({{Wiki|goblins}}). The {{Wiki|beings}} of this [[world]] are 750 feet (230 m) tall and live for 9,000,000 years ([[Sarvāstivāda]] [[tradition]]) or 90,000 years ([[Vibhajyavāda]] tradition). The height of this [[world]] is from sea level up to 40 yojanas above the [[Earth]]. | + | [[Cāturmahārājikakāyika]] or [[Cātummahārājika]] (Tib: [[rgyal chen bzhi]]; Jpn: [[四大王衆天]] [[Shidaiōshu-ten]]) – The [[world]] "of the [[Four Great Kings]]" is found on the lower slopes of [[Mount Sumeru]], though some of its inhabitants [[live]] in the [[air]] around the mountain. Its rulers are the [[four Great Kings]] of the [[name]], [[Virūḍhaka]], [[Dhṛtarāṣṭra]], [[Virūpākṣa]], and their leader [[Vaiśravaṇa]]. The [[devas]] who [[guide]] the {{Wiki|Sun}} and {{Wiki|Moon}} are also considered part of this [[world]], as are the {{Wiki|retinues}} of the [[four kings]], composed of [[Kumbhāṇḍas]] ({{Wiki|dwarfs}}), [[Gandharvas]] ({{Wiki|fairies}}), [[Nāgas]] ([[dragons]]) and [[Yakṣas]] ({{Wiki|goblins}}). The {{Wiki|beings}} of this [[world]] are 750 feet (230 m) tall and [[live]] for 9,000,000 years ([[Sarvāstivāda]] [[tradition]]) or 90,000 years ([[Vibhajyavāda]] [[tradition]]). The height of this [[world]] is from sea level up to 40 [[yojanas]] above the [[Earth]]. |
| − | [[Cāturmahārājikakāyika]] [[devas]], are subject to the Great King [[Dhṛtarāṣṭra]], [[Guardian of the East]]. {{Wiki|Beings}} are [[reborn]] among the [[Gandharvas]] as a consequence of having practiced the most basic form of ethics ([[Janavasabha-sutta]], DN.18). It was considered embarrassing for a [[monk]] to be born in no better [[birth]] than that of a [[gandharva]]. | + | [[Cāturmahārājikakāyika]] [[devas]], are [[subject]] to the Great [[King]] [[Dhṛtarāṣṭra]], [[Guardian of the East]]. {{Wiki|Beings}} are [[reborn]] among the [[Gandharvas]] as a consequence of having practiced the most basic [[form]] of [[ethics]] ([[Janavasabha-sutta]], DN.18). It was considered embarrassing for a [[monk]] to be born in no better [[birth]] than that of a [[gandharva]]. |
[[File:Mysticbeatitudeas.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Mysticbeatitudeas.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | Although all of the worlds inhabited by [[devas]] (that is, all the worlds down to the [[Cāturmahārājikakāyika]] [[world]] and sometimes including the [[Asuras]]) are sometimes called "[[heavens]]", in the western sense of the word the term best applies to the four [[worlds]] listed below: | + | Although all of the [[worlds]] inhabited by [[devas]] (that is, all the [[worlds]] down to the [[Cāturmahārājikakāyika]] [[world]] and sometimes including the [[Asuras]]) are sometimes called "[[heavens]]", in the {{Wiki|western}} [[sense]] of the [[word]] the term best applies to the four [[worlds]] listed below: |
| − | [[Parinirmita-vaśavartin]] or [[Paranimmita-vasavatti]] (Tib: [[gzhan 'phrul dbang byed]]; Jpn: [[他化自在天]] [[Takejizai-ten]]) – The [[heaven]] of [[devas]] "[[with power over (others') creations]]". These [[devas]] do not create pleasing forms that they [[desire]] for themselves, but their [[desires]] are fulfilled by the acts of other [[devas]] who wish for their favor. The ruler of this world is called [[Vaśavartin]] (Pāli: [[Vasavatti]]), who has longer [[life]], greater beauty, more power and happiness and more delightful sense-objects than the other [[devas]] of his [[world]]. This [[world]] is also the home of the [[devaputra]] (being of divine race) called [[Māra]], who endeavors to keep all beings of the [[Kāmadhātu]] in the grip of sensual [[pleasures]]. [[Māra]] is also sometimes called [[Vaśavartin]], but in general these two dwellers in this [[world]] are kept distinct. The {{Wiki|beings}} of this [[world]] are 4,500 feet (1,400 m) tall and live for 9,216,000,000 years ([[Sarvāstivāda]] tradition). The height of this world is 1,280 yojanas above the [[Earth]]. | + | [[Parinirmita-vaśavartin]] or [[Paranimmita-vasavatti]] (Tib: [[gzhan 'phrul dbang byed]]; Jpn: [[他化自在天]] [[Takejizai-ten]]) – The [[heaven]] of [[devas]] "[[with power over (others') creations]]". These [[devas]] do not create [[pleasing]] [[forms]] that they [[desire]] for themselves, but their [[desires]] are fulfilled by the acts of other [[devas]] who wish for their favor. The [[ruler]] of this [[world]] is called [[Vaśavartin]] ([[Pāli]]: [[Vasavatti]]), who has longer [[life]], [[greater]] [[beauty]], more [[power]] and [[happiness]] and more delightful [[sense-objects]] than the other [[devas]] of his [[world]]. This [[world]] is also the home of the [[devaputra]] ({{Wiki|being}} of [[divine]] race) called [[Māra]], who endeavors to keep all [[beings]] of the [[Kāmadhātu]] in the [[grip]] of [[sensual]] [[pleasures]]. [[Māra]] is also sometimes called [[Vaśavartin]], but in general these two dwellers in this [[world]] are kept {{Wiki|distinct}}. The {{Wiki|beings}} of this [[world]] are 4,500 feet (1,400 m) tall and [[live]] for 9,216,000,000 years ([[Sarvāstivāda]] [[tradition]]). The height of this [[world]] is 1,280 [[yojanas]] above the [[Earth]]. |
| − | [[Nirmāṇarati]] or [[Nimmānaratī]] (Tib: '[[phrul dga]]' ; Jpn: [[化楽天]] [[Keraku-ten]])– The [[world]] of [[devas]] "[[delighting in their creations]]". The [[devas]] of this [[world]] are capable of making any appearance to please themselves. The lord of this [[world]] is called [[Sunirmita]] (Pāli [[Sunimmita]]); his wife is the [[rebirth]] of [[Visākhā]], formerly the chief of the [[upāsikās]] (female lay devotees) of the [[Buddha]]. The beings of this world are 3,750 feet (1,140 m) tall and live for 2,304,000,000 years ([[Sarvāstivāda]] tradition). The height of this world is 640 yojanas above the Earth. | + | [[Nirmāṇarati]] or [[Nimmānaratī]] (Tib: '[[phrul dga]]' ; Jpn: [[化楽天]] [[Keraku-ten]])– The [[world]] of [[devas]] "[[delighting in their creations]]". The [[devas]] of this [[world]] are capable of making any [[appearance]] to please themselves. The [[lord]] of this [[world]] is called [[Sunirmita]] ([[Pāli]] [[Sunimmita]]); his wife is the [[rebirth]] of [[Visākhā]], formerly the chief of the [[upāsikās]] ({{Wiki|female}} lay {{Wiki|devotees}}) of the [[Buddha]]. The [[beings]] of this [[world]] are 3,750 feet (1,140 m) tall and [[live]] for 2,304,000,000 years ([[Sarvāstivāda]] [[tradition]]). The height of this [[world]] is 640 [[yojanas]] above the [[Earth]]. |
[[File:Imagedv rs.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Imagedv rs.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | [[Tuṣita]] or [[Tusita]] (Tib: [[dga' ldan]]; Jpn: [[兜率天]] [[Tosotsu-ten]]) – The [[world]] of the "joyful" [[devas]]. This [[world]] is best known for being the [[world]] in which a [[Bodhisattva]] lives before being [[reborn]] in the [[world]] of [[humans]]. Until a few thousand years ago, the [[Bodhisattva]] of this [[world]] was [[Śvetaketu]] (Pāli: [[Setaketu]]), who was reborn as [[Siddhārtha]], who would become the [[Buddha]] [[Śākyamuni]]; since then the [[Bodhisattva]] has been [[Nātha]] (or [[Nāthadeva]]) who will be [[reborn]] as [[Ajita]] and will become the [[Buddha]] [[Maitreya]] ([[Pāli]] [[Metteyya]]). While this [[Bodhisattva]] is the foremost of the dwellers in [[Tuṣita]], the ruler of this world is another deva called Santuṣita (Pāli: Santusita). The beings of this world are 3,000 feet (910 m) tall and live for 576,000,000 years (Sarvāstivāda tradition). The height of this world is 320 yojanas above the [[Earth]]. | + | [[Tuṣita]] or [[Tusita]] (Tib: [[dga' ldan]]; Jpn: [[兜率天]] [[Tosotsu-ten]]) – The [[world]] of the "[[joyful]]" [[devas]]. This [[world]] is best known for {{Wiki|being}} the [[world]] in which a [[Bodhisattva]] [[lives]] before {{Wiki|being}} [[reborn]] in the [[world]] of [[humans]]. Until a few thousand years ago, the [[Bodhisattva]] of this [[world]] was [[Śvetaketu]] ([[Pāli]]: [[Setaketu]]), who was [[reborn]] as [[Siddhārtha]], who would become the [[Buddha]] [[Śākyamuni]]; since then the [[Bodhisattva]] has been [[Nātha]] (or [[Nāthadeva]]) who will be [[reborn]] as [[Ajita]] and will become the [[Buddha]] [[Maitreya]] ([[Pāli]] [[Metteyya]]). While this [[Bodhisattva]] is the foremost of the dwellers in [[Tuṣita]], the [[ruler]] of this [[world]] is another [[deva]] called Santuṣita ([[Pāli]]: [[Santusita]]). The [[beings]] of this [[world]] are 3,000 feet (910 m) tall and [[live]] for 576,000,000 years ([[Sarvāstivāda]] [[tradition]]). The height of this [[world]] is 320 [[yojanas]] above the [[Earth]]. |
| − | [[Yāma]] (Tib: '[[thab bral]]; Jpn: [[夜摩天]] [[Yama-ten]]) – Sometimes called the "heaven without fighting", because it is the lowest of the [[heavens]] to be {{Wiki|physically}} separated from the tumults of the earthly [[world]]. These [[devas]] live in the air, free of all difficulties. Its ruler is the [[deva]] [[Suyāma]]; according to some, his wife is the rebirth of [[Sirimā]], a {{Wiki|courtesan}} of [[Rājagṛha]] in the [[Buddha]]'s time who was generous to the [[monks]]. The {{Wiki|beings}} of this world are 2,250 feet (690 m) tall and live for 144,000,000 years ([[Sarvāstivāda]] tradition). The height of this world is 160 yojanas above the [[Earth]]. | + | [[Yāma]] (Tib: '[[thab bral]]; Jpn: [[夜摩天]] [[Yama-ten]]) – Sometimes called the "[[heaven]] without fighting", because it is the lowest of the [[heavens]] to be {{Wiki|physically}} separated from the tumults of the [[earthly]] [[world]]. These [[devas]] [[live]] in the [[air]], free of all difficulties. Its [[ruler]] is the [[deva]] [[Suyāma]]; according to some, his wife is the [[rebirth]] of [[Sirimā]], a {{Wiki|courtesan}} of [[Rājagṛha]] in the [[Buddha]]'s [[time]] who was generous to the [[monks]]. The {{Wiki|beings}} of this [[world]] are 2,250 feet (690 m) tall and [[live]] for 144,000,000 years ([[Sarvāstivāda]] [[tradition]]). The height of this [[world]] is 160 [[yojanas]] above the [[Earth]]. |
| − | The world-mountain of [[Sumeru]] is an immense, strangely shaped peak which arises in the center of the [[world]], and around which the {{Wiki|Sun}} and {{Wiki|Moon}} revolve. Its base rests in a vast ocean, and it is surrounded by several rings of lesser mountain ranges and oceans. The three [[worlds]] listed below are all located on or around [[Sumeru]]: the [[Trāyastriṃśa]] [[devas]] live on its peak, the [[Cāturmahārājikakāyika]] [[devas]] live on its slopes, and the [[Asuras]] live in the ocean at its base. [[Sumeru]] and its surrounding oceans and mountains are the home not just of these [[deities]], but also vast assemblies of {{Wiki|beings}} of popular {{Wiki|mythology}} who only rarely intrude on the [[human]] [[world]]. | + | The world-mountain of [[Sumeru]] is an immense, strangely shaped peak which arises in the center of the [[world]], and around which the {{Wiki|Sun}} and {{Wiki|Moon}} revolve. Its base rests in a vast ocean, and it is surrounded by several rings of [[lesser]] {{Wiki|mountain ranges}} and oceans. The three [[worlds]] listed below are all located on or around [[Sumeru]]: the [[Trāyastriṃśa]] [[devas]] [[live]] on its peak, the [[Cāturmahārājikakāyika]] [[devas]] [[live]] on its slopes, and the [[Asuras]] [[live]] in the ocean at its base. [[Sumeru]] and its surrounding oceans and [[mountains]] are the home not just of these [[deities]], but also vast assemblies of {{Wiki|beings}} of popular {{Wiki|mythology}} who only rarely intrude on the [[human]] [[world]]. |
| − | [[Gandharvas]] can fly through the air, and are known for their skill as musicians. They are connected with trees and flowers, and are described as dwelling in the scents of bark, sap, and blossom. They are among the beings of the wilderness that might disturb a [[monk]] [[meditating]] alone. | + | [[Gandharvas]] can fly through the [[air]], and are known for their skill as musicians. They are connected with [[trees]] and [[flowers]], and are described as dwelling in the scents of bark, sap, and blossom. They are among the [[beings]] of the wilderness that might disturb a [[monk]] [[meditating]] alone. |
| − | The terms [[gandharva]] and [[yakṣa]] are sometimes used for the same person; [[yakṣa]] in these cases is the more general term, including a variety of lower [[deities]]. | + | The terms [[gandharva]] and [[yakṣa]] are sometimes used for the same [[person]]; [[yakṣa]] in these cases is the more general term, including a variety of lower [[deities]]. |
| − | Among the notable [[gandharvas]] are mentioned (in DN.20 and DN.32) Panāda, Opamañña, Naḷa, Cittasena, Rājā. Janesabha is probably the same as Janavasabha, a [[rebirth]] of King [[Bimbisāra]] of [[Magadha]]. Mātali the [[Gandharva]] is the charioteer for [[Śakra]]. | + | Among the notable [[gandharvas]] are mentioned (in DN.20 and DN.32) [[Panāda]], [[Opamañña]], [[Naḷa]], [[Cittasena]], [[Rājā]]. [[Janesabha]] is probably the same as [[Janavasabha]], a [[rebirth]] of [[King]] [[Bimbisāra]] of [[Magadha]]. [[Mātali]] the [[Gandharva]] is the charioteer for [[Śakra]]. |
| − | [[Timbarū]] ([[Tumburu]]) was a chieftain of the [[gandharvas]]. There is a romantic story told about the love between his daughter Bhaddā Suriyavacchasā (Sanskrit: Bhadrā Sūryavarcasā) and another [[gandharva]], [[Pañcasikha]] ([[Sanskrit]]: [[Pañcaśikha]]). [[Pañcasikha]] fell in love with [[Suriyavacchasā]] when he saw her dancing before [[Śakra]], but she was then in love with Sikhandī (or Sikhaddi), son of Mātali the charioteer. Pañcasikha then went to Timbarū's home and played a melody on his lute of beluva-wood, on which he had great skill, and sang a love-song in which he interwove themes about the [[Buddha]] and his [[arhats]]. | + | [[Timbarū]] ([[Tumburu]]) was a chieftain of the [[gandharvas]]. There is a romantic story told about the [[love]] between his daughter [[Bhaddā Suriyavacchasā]] ([[Sanskrit]]: [[Bhadrā Sūryavarcasā]]) and another [[gandharva]], [[Pañcasikha]] ([[Sanskrit]]: [[Pañcaśikha]]). [[Pañcasikha]] fell in [[love]] with [[Suriyavacchasā]] when he saw her [[dancing]] before [[Śakra]], but she was then in [[love]] with [[Sikhandī]] (or [[Sikhaddi]]), son of [[Mātali]] the charioteer. [[Pañcasikha]] then went to [[Timbarū's]] home and played a melody on his lute of beluva-wood, on which he had great skill, and [[sang]] a love-song in which he interwove themes about the [[Buddha]] and his [[arhats]]. |
| − | Later, [[Śakra]] prevailed upon [[Pañcasikha]] to intercede with the [[Buddha]] so that [[Śakra]] might have an audience with him. As a reward for [[Pañcasikha]]'s services, [[Śakra]] was able to get [[Suriyavacchasā]], already pleased with [[Pañcasikha]]'s display of skill and devotion, to agree to marry [[Pañcasikha]]. | + | Later, [[Śakra]] prevailed upon [[Pañcasikha]] to intercede with the [[Buddha]] so that [[Śakra]] might have an audience with him. As a reward for [[Pañcasikha]]'s services, [[Śakra]] was able to get [[Suriyavacchasā]], already [[pleased]] with [[Pañcasikha]]'s display of skill and [[devotion]], to agree to marry [[Pañcasikha]]. |
| − | [[Pañcasikha]] also acts as a messenger for the [[Four Heavenly Kings]], conveying news from them to Mātali, the latter representing [[Śakra]] and the [[Trāyastriṃśa]] [[devas]]. | + | [[Pañcasikha]] also acts as a messenger for the [[Four Heavenly Kings]], conveying news from them to [[Mātali]], the latter representing [[Śakra]] and the [[Trāyastriṃśa]] [[devas]]. |
| − | [[Gandharva]] or [[gandhabba]] is also used in a completely different sense, referring to a {{Wiki|being}} (or, strictly speaking, part of the causal continuum of consciousness) in a liminal state between [[death]] and [[rebirth]]. | + | [[Gandharva]] or [[gandhabba]] is also used in a completely different [[sense]], referring to a {{Wiki|being}} (or, strictly {{Wiki|speaking}}, part of the [[causal]] {{Wiki|continuum}} of [[consciousness]]) in a [[liminal state]] between [[death]] and [[rebirth]]. |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
{{E}} | {{E}} | ||
[[Category:Cāturmahārājikakāyika]] | [[Category:Cāturmahārājikakāyika]] | ||
| + | {{SanskritTerminology}} | ||
Latest revision as of 09:23, 21 March 2014
Cātummahārājika (Pāḷi; Sanskrit: Cāturmahārājikakāyika) Heaven. According to Buddhist cosmology this heavenly realm is the lowest heaven of the Desire Realm (Pāḷi: Kāmaloka; Sanskrit: Kāmadhātu), and it is located on the lower mountainside of Mount Neru (Pāḷi; Sanskrit: Meru).
Cāturmahārājikakāyika or Cātummahārājika (Tib: rgyal chen bzhi; Jpn: 四大王衆天 Shidaiōshu-ten) – The world "of the Four Great Kings" is found on the lower slopes of Mount Sumeru, though some of its inhabitants live in the air around the mountain. Its rulers are the four Great Kings of the name, Virūḍhaka, Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Virūpākṣa, and their leader Vaiśravaṇa. The devas who guide the Sun and Moon are also considered part of this world, as are the retinues of the four kings, composed of Kumbhāṇḍas (dwarfs), Gandharvas (fairies), Nāgas (dragons) and Yakṣas (goblins). The beings of this world are 750 feet (230 m) tall and live for 9,000,000 years (Sarvāstivāda tradition) or 90,000 years (Vibhajyavāda tradition). The height of this world is from sea level up to 40 yojanas above the Earth.
Cāturmahārājikakāyika devas, are subject to the Great King Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Guardian of the East. Beings are reborn among the Gandharvas as a consequence of having practiced the most basic form of ethics (Janavasabha-sutta, DN.18). It was considered embarrassing for a monk to be born in no better birth than that of a gandharva.
Although all of the worlds inhabited by devas (that is, all the worlds down to the Cāturmahārājikakāyika world and sometimes including the Asuras) are sometimes called "heavens", in the western sense of the word the term best applies to the four worlds listed below:
Parinirmita-vaśavartin or Paranimmita-vasavatti (Tib: gzhan 'phrul dbang byed; Jpn: 他化自在天 Takejizai-ten) – The heaven of devas "with power over (others') creations". These devas do not create pleasing forms that they desire for themselves, but their desires are fulfilled by the acts of other devas who wish for their favor. The ruler of this world is called Vaśavartin (Pāli: Vasavatti), who has longer life, greater beauty, more power and happiness and more delightful sense-objects than the other devas of his world. This world is also the home of the devaputra (being of divine race) called Māra, who endeavors to keep all beings of the Kāmadhātu in the grip of sensual pleasures. Māra is also sometimes called Vaśavartin, but in general these two dwellers in this world are kept distinct. The beings of this world are 4,500 feet (1,400 m) tall and live for 9,216,000,000 years (Sarvāstivāda tradition). The height of this world is 1,280 yojanas above the Earth.
Nirmāṇarati or Nimmānaratī (Tib: 'phrul dga' ; Jpn: 化楽天 Keraku-ten)– The world of devas "delighting in their creations". The devas of this world are capable of making any appearance to please themselves. The lord of this world is called Sunirmita (Pāli Sunimmita); his wife is the rebirth of Visākhā, formerly the chief of the upāsikās (female lay devotees) of the Buddha. The beings of this world are 3,750 feet (1,140 m) tall and live for 2,304,000,000 years (Sarvāstivāda tradition). The height of this world is 640 yojanas above the Earth.
Tuṣita or Tusita (Tib: dga' ldan; Jpn: 兜率天 Tosotsu-ten) – The world of the "joyful" devas. This world is best known for being the world in which a Bodhisattva lives before being reborn in the world of humans. Until a few thousand years ago, the Bodhisattva of this world was Śvetaketu (Pāli: Setaketu), who was reborn as Siddhārtha, who would become the Buddha Śākyamuni; since then the Bodhisattva has been Nātha (or Nāthadeva) who will be reborn as Ajita and will become the Buddha Maitreya (Pāli Metteyya). While this Bodhisattva is the foremost of the dwellers in Tuṣita, the ruler of this world is another deva called Santuṣita (Pāli: Santusita). The beings of this world are 3,000 feet (910 m) tall and live for 576,000,000 years (Sarvāstivāda tradition). The height of this world is 320 yojanas above the Earth.
Yāma (Tib: 'thab bral; Jpn: 夜摩天 Yama-ten) – Sometimes called the "heaven without fighting", because it is the lowest of the heavens to be physically separated from the tumults of the earthly world. These devas live in the air, free of all difficulties. Its ruler is the deva Suyāma; according to some, his wife is the rebirth of Sirimā, a courtesan of Rājagṛha in the Buddha's time who was generous to the monks. The beings of this world are 2,250 feet (690 m) tall and live for 144,000,000 years (Sarvāstivāda tradition). The height of this world is 160 yojanas above the Earth.
The world-mountain of Sumeru is an immense, strangely shaped peak which arises in the center of the world, and around which the Sun and Moon revolve. Its base rests in a vast ocean, and it is surrounded by several rings of lesser mountain ranges and oceans. The three worlds listed below are all located on or around Sumeru: the Trāyastriṃśa devas live on its peak, the Cāturmahārājikakāyika devas live on its slopes, and the Asuras live in the ocean at its base. Sumeru and its surrounding oceans and mountains are the home not just of these deities, but also vast assemblies of beings of popular mythology who only rarely intrude on the human world.
Gandharvas can fly through the air, and are known for their skill as musicians. They are connected with trees and flowers, and are described as dwelling in the scents of bark, sap, and blossom. They are among the beings of the wilderness that might disturb a monk meditating alone.
The terms gandharva and yakṣa are sometimes used for the same person; yakṣa in these cases is the more general term, including a variety of lower deities.
Among the notable gandharvas are mentioned (in DN.20 and DN.32) Panāda, Opamañña, Naḷa, Cittasena, Rājā. Janesabha is probably the same as Janavasabha, a rebirth of King Bimbisāra of Magadha. Mātali the Gandharva is the charioteer for Śakra.
Timbarū (Tumburu) was a chieftain of the gandharvas. There is a romantic story told about the love between his daughter Bhaddā Suriyavacchasā (Sanskrit: Bhadrā Sūryavarcasā) and another gandharva, Pañcasikha (Sanskrit: Pañcaśikha). Pañcasikha fell in love with Suriyavacchasā when he saw her dancing before Śakra, but she was then in love with Sikhandī (or Sikhaddi), son of Mātali the charioteer. Pañcasikha then went to Timbarū's home and played a melody on his lute of beluva-wood, on which he had great skill, and sang a love-song in which he interwove themes about the Buddha and his arhats.
Later, Śakra prevailed upon Pañcasikha to intercede with the Buddha so that Śakra might have an audience with him. As a reward for Pañcasikha's services, Śakra was able to get Suriyavacchasā, already pleased with Pañcasikha's display of skill and devotion, to agree to marry Pañcasikha.
Pañcasikha also acts as a messenger for the Four Heavenly Kings, conveying news from them to Mātali, the latter representing Śakra and the Trāyastriṃśa devas.
Gandharva or gandhabba is also used in a completely different sense, referring to a being (or, strictly speaking, part of the causal continuum of consciousness) in a liminal state between death and rebirth.
