Moggallana Bhante:
Dear Deva, your mansion is on a golden mountain and shines brightly. It is covered with nets of gold and ringing bells. Eight-sided pillars made of beryl gemstones and seven other jewels support your mansion. The floor of the mansion is beautiful and made of beryl, gold, crystal, silver, cat’s-eyes, pearls, and ruby gems. There is no dust anywhere in the mansion. Golden beams support its pinnacle. There are four stairways facing the four directions. The mansion’s inner rooms are made of various jewels and radiate brilliantly like the sun. There are four main stages: one north, one south, one east, one west. They shine throughout the four directions.
You live in this excellent mansion, shining brilliantly like the rising sun. Is all this the fruit of your generosity, your virtuous behavior, or because you worshiped monks in the past? Please answer my questions so that I may know.
That deva, delighted at being questioned by Arahant Moggallana, gladly explained what he had done that resulted in such great happiness.
Deva:
In my previous life, I lived in the human world in the city of Andhakavinda. With a happy mind I built a monastery with my own hands to offer to the Great Teacher, the Kinsman of the Sun, the Supreme Buddha.
I offered that monastery to the Great Teacher along with sweet fragrances, flower garlands, and lotions.
I have received the result of that meritorious deed. Now I am a leader among devas in this Nandana Park. I enjoy living in this park, surrounded by various birds and singing and dancing goddesses.
