What are devas in Buddhism?

What are devas in Buddhism?

Author: Nicholas Bright Haight September 1, 2023 Duration: 27:17

Bright on Buddhism Episode 68 - What are devas in Buddhism? What is their status in the canon? How ought we understand them?


Resources: Robert E. Buswell Jr.; Donald S. Lopez Jr. (2013). The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press. pp. 232–233. ISBN 9781400848058. Retrieved 22 June 2015.; Trainor, Kevin (2004). Buddhism: The Illustrated Guide. Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780195173987. Retrieved 22 June 2015.; Norman, K. R. (1981). "Devas and Adhidevas in Buddhism," Journal of the Pali Text Society 9, 145-155; The Basic Concept of Vedic Religion FBJ Kuiper (1975), History of Religions, Vol. 15, No. 2, pages 107–120 (on roots of Devas and Asuras); The Proto-Indoaryans T Burrow (1973), Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain & Ireland, Vol. 105, Issue 2, pages 123–140 (on roots of Devas and Asuras in Indo-Iranian versus Indo-European history); Indo-European Deities and the Rigveda ND Kazanas (2001), The Journal of Indo-European Studies, Vol. 29, No. 3 & 4; The Vedic Gods of Japan S Kak (2004), Brahmavidyā: The Adyar Library Bulletin (on the spread of Vedic Devas such as Indra, Agni, Vayu outside India); On Translation: Māyā, Deva, Tapas Ananda Coomaraswamy, Isis, Vol. 19, No. 1, pages 74–91 (on alternate meanings of Devas); Ritual, Knowledge, and Being: Initiation and Veda Study in Ancient India Brian K. Smith (1986), Numen, Vol. 33, Fasc. 1, pages 65–89 (on the role of knowledge in empowering the Deva nature in man)


Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by finding us on email or social media! https://linktr.ee/brightonbuddhism


Credits:

Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-Host

Proven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host


Nicholas Bright Haight brings his academic background and personal curiosity to each episode of Bright On Buddhism. As a scholar of East Asian Buddhism currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Religion, with a specialization in pre-modern Japanese Buddhist architecture, Nick approaches these conversations with both depth and accessibility. The discussions unfold in a relaxed, question-and-answer style, making often complex philosophical and historical ideas feel approachable and immediately relevant. You’ll hear explorations that draw from his specific research areas, like Japanese Buddhist historical responses to cultural shifts, while also addressing the broader, timeless questions at the heart of the tradition. This isn’t a formal lecture series, but rather a thoughtful dialogue meant for anyone with an interest in how these ancient teachings intersect with modern life. The Bright On Buddhism podcast creates a space where scholarly insight meets casual conversation, demystifying topics without losing their profound essence. Whether you're well-versed in Buddhist thought or just beginning to explore spirituality and religion, these episodes offer a grounded and informative perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 252

Bright On Buddhism
Podcast Episodes
Buddhish Episode 7 - AI and Buddhism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:22
Bright On Buddhism - Buddhish Episode 7 - Hello and welcome to a different kind of episode of Bright on Buddhism called "Buddhish"! These episodes are unscripted, untimed, and unedited. Note that we're speaking less form…
What is Pure Land Buddhism? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:32
Bright on Buddhism Episode 38 - What is Pure Land Buddhism? How does it differ from other schools of Buddhism? How do those differences play out in ritual and practice? Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated…
Kōan Series - What is the sound of one hand clapping? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:07
Bright on Buddhism - Kōan Series Episode 2 - Two hands clap and there is a sound. What is the sound of one hand? Hello and welcome to a new type of episode of Bright on Buddhism, called the Kōan Series. In this series, w…
What are the 5 aggregates? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:26
Bright on Buddhism Episode 37 - What are the 5 aggregates? How do they fit into the Buddhist understanding of reality, death, and reincarnation? How have understandings of them changed over time? Resources: Kevin Trainor…
The Heart Sutra [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:39
Bright On Buddhism - The Heart Sutra- Join us as we read and discuss the Heart Sutra. Resources: Episode 17 - https://anchor.fm/brightonbuddhism/episodes/Who-is-Avalokitesvara-e1cjkqg Episode 18 - https://anchor.fm/brigh…
Who is Maitreya/Mile/Miroku? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:07
Bright on Buddhism Episode 36 - Who is Maitreya/Mile/Miroku? What are some stories about him? What sort of devotional texts/rituals are there for him? Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lope…
Kōan Series - Does a dog have Buddha-nature? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:47
Bright on Buddhism - Kōan Series Episode 1 - A monk asked Zhàozhōu, "Does a dog have Buddha nature or not?" Zhaozhou said, "Wú". Hello and welcome to a new type of episode of Bright on Buddhism, called the Kōan Series. I…
Buddhish Episode 6 - Japanese Former PM Shinzo Abe is Assassinated [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:01
Bright On Buddhism - Buddhish Episode 6 - Hello and welcome to a different kind of episode of Bright on Buddhism called "Buddhish"! These episodes are unscripted, untimed, and unedited. Note that we're speaking less form…
Guest Appearance - Rebecca Stover [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:10
Bright on Buddhism - Guest Appearance - Rebecca Stover Disclaimer: Nick's audio is very low quality due to some technical difficulties. We apologize. This week, Bright on Buddhism welcomes our 3rd special guest, Rebecca…