Vimanavatthu7.1

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7.1 CITTALATA(EDEN) MANSION (75)

(Cittalata-vimana)

The Bhagava(Lord Buddha) was staying at Savatthi, in Jeta Grove. There was then a poor lay-follower who lived by working for others. He was believing and supported his aged parents, because he taught, "Women placed in a household rule the roost. They seldom respect their in-laws"  so he carried on, keeping the moral precepts and the Observance days(Uposatha, fortnightly fasting & confession). He was reborn after dying among the Thirty-three(heaven) in a twelve-yojana mansion. The venerable Elder Monk Maha-Moggallana, coming as before, ask him:

1 "Even as shines the Cittalata Grove(eden), the best and supreme pleasaunce (garden) of the (three-and-) Thirty(heaven), so stands this Mansion of yours in the mid-air, shining radiantly.

2 You, attained to the psychic potency(power) of devas(angels), are of great majesty. What merit did you perform when you were born a human being? Because of what is your brilliant majesty thus and your beauty illumines all the quarters(directions)?"

3 That deva(angel)-youth, delighted at being questioned by Moggallana,. . . explained of what deed this was the fruit(result).

4 "When I was born a human being among men I was a poor, destitute, miserable workman and I supported my aged parents, and dear to me were those who were virtuous.

5 With a mind of faith, gladly I gave both food a drink respectfully, and abundant giving of donation.

6 Because of this is my beauty such. . . and my beauty illumines all the quarters(directions)."