Connected Discourses on Cloud Devas

1. Simple Version

1At Sāvatthī. “Bhikkhus, I will teach you about the devas of the cloud-dwelling order. Listen to that….

2“And what, bhikkhus, are the devas of the cloud-dwelling order?²⁹¹ Spk: These are devas living in space who have arisen in the company of the devas called the cloud dwellers. There are, bhikkhus, cool-cloud devas, warm-cloud devas, storm-cloud devas, wind-cloud devas, and rain-cloud devas.

3“These, bhikkhus, are called the devas of the cloud-dwelling order.”

2. Good Conduct

(Identical with 31:2, but concerning rebirth in the company of the devas of the cloud-dwelling order.)

3-12. With the Support of Giving (1)

1(These suttas are modelled on 31:13-22, but concerning rebirth in the company of the cool-cloud devas.)²⁹² The numbering of suttas in Ee has gone awry here, both in text and translation. [255]

13-52. With the Support of Giving (2)

1(These suttas repeat the paradigm in regard to rebirth among the other types of cloud-dwelling devas.) [256]

53. Cool-Cloud Devas

1At Sāvatthī…. Sitting to one side, that bhikkhu said to the Blessed One: “Venerable sir, what is the cause and reason why it sometimes becomes cool?”

2“There are, bhikkhu, what are called cool-cloud devas. When it occurs to them, ‘Let us revel in our own kind of delight,’²⁹³ I follow Se and Ee: Yaṁ nūna mayaṁ sakāya ratiyā rameyyāma. Be reads the verb as vaseyyāma. Spk explains that cool weather during the rainy season or winter is a natural coolness caused by the change of seasons, but when it becomes extremely cold during the cool season, or cold during the summer, that is caused by the power of these devas. Similar explanations are given for the other cases. then, in accordance with their wish, it becomes cool. This, bhikkhu, is the cause and reason why it sometimes becomes cool.”

54. Warm-Cloud Devas

1… “Venerable sir, what is the cause and reason why it sometimes becomes warm?”

2“There are, bhikkhu, what are called warm-cloud devas. When it occurs to them, ‘Let us revel in our own kind of delight,’ then, in accordance with their wish, it becomes warm. This, bhikkhu, is the cause and reason why it sometimes becomes warm.”

55. Storm-Cloud Devas

1… “Venerable sir, what is the cause and reason why it sometimes becomes stormy?”

2“There are, bhikkhu, what are called storm-cloud devas. When it occurs to them, ‘Let us revel in our own kind of delight,’ then, in accordance with their wish, it becomes stormy. This, bhikkhu, is the cause and reason why it sometimes becomes stormy.”

56. Wind-Cloud Devas

1… “Venerable sir, what is the cause and reason why it sometimes becomes windy?”

2“There are, bhikkhu, what are called wind-cloud devas. [257] When it occurs to them, ‘Let us revel in our own kind of delight,’ then, in accordance with their wish, it becomes windy. This, bhikkhu, is the cause and reason why it sometimes becomes windy.”

57. Rain-Cloud Devas

1… “Venerable sir, what is the cause and reason why it sometimes rains?”

2“There are, bhikkhu, what are called rain-cloud devas. When it occurs to them, ‘Let us revel in our own kind of delight,’ then, in accordance with their wish, it rains. This, bhikkhu, is the cause and reason why it sometimes rains.”