verified:
Overview
Before ascending to the position of Sakka, the ruler of the Tāvatiṃsa heaven, he was a human youth named Magha in the village of Macala. He undertook and flawlessly fulfilled seven lifelong vows (vatapadāni). It was precisely the accumulation of merit from keeping these seven vows that resulted in his rebirth as the chief of the devas.
The List
- Mātāpettibhara - Supporting Parents: “For as long as I live, may I support my parents.”
- Kule jeṭṭhāpacāyī - Respecting Elders: “For as long as I live, may I respect the elders in the family.”
- Saṇhavāca - Gentle Speech: “For as long as I live, may I speak gently.”
- Apisuṇavāca - Non-divisive Speech: “For as long as I live, may I not speak divisively or slander others.”
- Vigatamalamacchera - Freedom from Stinginess: “For as long as I live, may I dwell at home with a mind devoid of the stain of stinginess, freely generous, open-handed, delighting in relinquishment, devoted to charity, delighting in giving and sharing.”
- Saccavāca - Truthfulness: “For as long as I live, may I speak the truth.”
- Akkodhana - Freedom from Anger: “For as long as I live, may I be free from anger, and if anger should arise in me, may I dispel it quickly.”
Textual References
- Canonical: Vatapadasutta (SN 11.11) – The Buddha explicitly lists these seven vows to Mahāli the Licchavi to explain exactly how Sakka attained his heavenly status.