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
Who is Amitābha? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:16
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 105 - Who is Amitabha? What are some stories about him? How ought we understand him?Resources: Karashima, Seishi (2009), JSTOR 24049429 On Amitābha, Amitāyu(s), Sukhāvatī and the Amitābhavyūh…
Buddhish 19 - Way of The Passive Fist [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:16
Bright on Buddhism - Buddhish - Episode 19 - Way of The Passive Fist Join us as we discuss the video game, Way of The Passive Fist! https://store.steampowered.com/app/625680/Way_of_the_Passive_Fist/ Do you have a questio…
What is the relationship between Buddhism and martial arts? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:45
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 104 - What is the relationship between Buddhism and martial arts? What are some Buddhist influenced martial arts and their histories? How does the practice of martial arts reconcile with the…
What is a Dalai Lama? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:50
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 103 - What is a Dalai Lama? What is the meaning and significance of that position? Who is the Dalai Lama today? Resources: Buswell, Robert E.; Lopez, Donald S. Jr., eds. (2014). Princeton Dic…
What is bodhicitta in Buddhism? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:36
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 102 - What is bodhicitta in Buddhism? Isnt it technically a desire? How does one arouse bodhicitta? Resources: Bodhisattvabhumi (The Bodhisattva Levels); Śāntideva's A Guide to the Bodhisattv…
Asian Religions Series - Daoism Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:50
Bright on Buddhism - Asian Religions Series - Daoism Part 2 Hello and welcome to the Asian religions series. In this series, we will be discussing religious traditions in Asia other than Buddhism. Buddhism never existed…
Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra - Chapter 2 Part 4 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:18
Bright on Buddhism - Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra - Chapter 2 Part 4 Join us as we read and discuss Chapter 2 of DT Suzuki's translation of the Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra! Resources: Lindtner, Christian (1992). The Lankavatarasutra in Early…
Buddhish 18 - 2024 Wrap Up [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:23
Bright on Buddhism - Buddhish - Episode 18 - 2024 Wrap Up Join us as we record together in person for the first time in the show's history to discuss 2024 and as we look ahead to 2025! Do you have a question about Buddhi…
What is the history of the swastika in Buddhism? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:25
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 101 - What is the history of the swastika? What does it mean? Why and how was it taken up by hate groups? Resources: Adrian Snodgrass (1992). The Symbolism of the Stupa. Motilal Banarsidass.…
Revisit - Who is the Buddha? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:56
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 100 - Revisit - Who is the Buddha? Is the Buddha a god? Is there more than one Buddha? Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religi…