One time the Blessed One was staying in the province of Sāvatthi, in Jeta’s park, at Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. There the Blessed One said to the monks:
“Monks, in the past when Sakka, lord of the gods, was a human being, he was a youth named Magha; therefore he is called Maghavā.
“Monks, in the past, when Sakka, lord of the gods, was a human being, he gave gifts before others gave theirs on every occasion; therefore he is called Purindada.
“Monks, in the past, when Sakka, lord of the gods, was a human being, he gave gifts in a well organized manner; therefore he was called Sakka.
“Monks, in the past, when Sakka, lord of the gods, was a human being, he gave houses; therefore he is called Vāsava.
“Monks, Sakka, lord of the gods, thinks a thousand matters in a moment; therefore he is called Sahassa-netta, Thousand-eyed.
“Monks, Sakka’s wife is the titan-maiden named Sujā; therefore he is called Sujampati, Sujā’s husband.
“Monks, Sakka, lord of the gods, lives in great luxury, practices supreme power and rules over the Tāvatimsa gods; therefore he is called lord of the gods.
“Monks, in the past, when Sakka, lord of the gods, was a human being, he practiced seven noble promises. Since he did that, he became god Sakka.”
When a person supports his parents, respects the family elders, speaks gentle and pleasing words, doesn’t speak divisive words, removes greediness, speaks truthfully, and controls anger, the Tāvatiṁsa gods call him a truly superior person.
