Overview
Within the Sensuous Realm (Kāma-loka), situated physically above the human world, are the six planes of the Devas. Beings here possess subtle physical bodies and experience exquisite sensory pleasures, immense lifespans, and great beauty as the kammic reward for extreme generosity and virtue in their previous human lives.
The List
- Cātummahārājika - Heaven of the Four Great Kings: The lowest heaven, situated on the slopes of Mount Sineru, ruled by the four guardian deities.
- Tāvatiṃsa - Heaven of the Thirty-Three: Situated on the peak of Mount Sineru, presided over by Sakka, the king of the devas. (The Buddha taught the Abhidhamma here).
- Yāma - Heaven of the Yāma Devas: The first heaven completely free from the physical proximity of earth, a realm of great bliss.
- Tusita - Heaven of the Joyful: The residence of all Bodhisattas before their final human rebirth. The future Buddha Metteyya currently resides here.
- Nimmānaratī - Heaven of the Devas who Delight in Creation: Devas here have the power to instantly create their own magnificent sensory objects by mere thought.
- Paranimmitavasavattī - Heaven of the Devas who Wield Power over the Creations of Others: The highest sense-sphere heaven. Devas here do not create their own pleasures, but simply control and enjoy objects magically created for them by others. (The deity Māra resides in a section of this realm).
Textual References
- Canonical: Dānānisaṃsa Sutta (AN 8.35) – The Buddha correlates specific levels of generous intent with rebirth into these ascending heavenly realms.