Moggallana Bhante:
Devata, you shine brilliantly and colorfully. You are dressed in divine red clothing. Your body is as beautiful as if you had applied sandalwood cream. You seem to be very mighty, possessing psychic powers. Now you are worshiping me. Who are you?
Your throne is also valuable and decorated with various types of gems. When you are sitting on it, you shine like Sakka, King of Gods, in the heavenly Nandana Park.
Beautiful Devata, what kind of virtuous life did you lead in the past? We now ask you, what kind of meritorious actions did you do to gain these results?
Devata:
Bhante, when I was in the human world, one day while you were going on your almsround, I offered a flower garland and a piece of golden sugar to you. As a result of that meritorious deed, I enjoy this happiness today.
But Bhante, I feel very regretful because of a mistake I made. I did not listen to the excellent teachings preached by the King of Dhamma, the Supreme Buddha.
Bhante, please listen to me. If anybody has compassion for me they should encourage me to practice that excellent teaching of the Supreme Buddha.
Those devas who possess strong confidence in the Supreme Buddha, the Supreme Dhamma, and the Supreme Sangha outshine me in heavenly life span, fame, and radiance. Those other devas are very beautiful, mighty, and powerful. They experience much more happiness than I do.
