Moggallana Bhante:
Dear Devata, your mansion is very beautiful. It is decorated with various carvings made of beryl and other gemstones. Pretty gods and goddesses are always dancing and singing to entertain you.
Devata, you are very mighty, possessing various kinds of psychic powers.
Tell me Devata, what kind of meritorious action did you do when you were in the human world to have gained this beauty that shines in all directions, and to have earned all these wonderful things?
That devata, delighted at being questioned by Arahant Moggallana, gladly explained what she had done that resulted in such great happiness.
Devata:
In my previous life, I was a woman in the human world, a lay disciple of the very wise Supreme Buddha.
I abstained from killing, stealing, taking intoxicants, and lying. I was content with my own husband and did not want to think of other men. I practiced generosity with a happy mind. I offered food and drink with respect.
Because of these meritorious deeds, I have been born as a very beautiful devata and enjoy all the wonderful things that delight my heart.
Great Bhante, those were the meritorious deeds I did to have such a beautiful body that shines in all directions.
