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 21 - Post-pilgrimage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:35
Bright on Buddhism - Buddhish Episode 21 - Post-pilgrimageJoin us as we discuss Nick's unexpected journey home.Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by emailing us at Bright.On.…
Nick on Pilgrimage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:43
Welcome to Buddhish episode 20. Nick is heading to Japan. On this episode, we'll talk about our plans for while he's out.
Revisiting the First Sermon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:00
Join us as we revisit the First Sermon for our introductory series.Referenced previous episodes:Episode 9 - What is Dharma?https://open.spotify.com/episode/6el6KrqTZmbOVrjqbBpkVG?si=68x5LXYxRDSreMHC43vkgQEpisode 95 - Do…
What is a Sutra? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:49
Who is Ananda? -https://open.spotify.com/episode/34DVgbSOfwc5hNGzcaSCIQ?si=-zQsu_Q9Qo2qDtfucSb3sgLotus Sutra Chapter 3: Parable of the Burning House - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0zoSJEL2HmjQDEXZDrDbx0?si=_C_dmAqxSI…
Where can I read and learn about Buddhist history? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:57
Spellings for the recommended temple names:Seattle Koyasan (Shingon)Seattle Choeizan Enkyoji (Nichiren)Bhante Jayasara’s Maggasekha community (Theravada)Buddhist Churches of America (various)Sources:Richard Foltz 2010, R…
How do I start as a practitioner? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:26
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 108 - How do I start as a practitioner? What do Buddhists do? What are some resources for beginning practitioners? Resources: https://linktr.ee/brightonbuddhism; https://www.accesstoinsight.o…
Shōji Jissō Gi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:51
Bright on Buddhism - Shōji Jissō GiJoin us as we read and discuss the Hakeda Yoshito translation of the Shōji Jissō Gi by Kūkai in its entirety. Resources: Clipston, Janice (2000). Sokushin-jōbutsu-gi: Attaining Enlighte…
How ought we understand anger and rage in Buddhism? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:47
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 106 - How ought we understand anger and rage in Buddhism? What are the different types of anger and rage in Buddhist thought? What is the role of anger and rage in Buddhism?Resources: Bhikkhu…
Research Project Series - Aikidō [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:09
Bright on Buddhism - Research Project Series - AikidōJoin me as I discuss a famous Japanese martial art called Aikidō.Resources: Ueshiba, Kisshōmaru (2004). The Art of Aikido: Principles and Essential Techniques. Kodansh…