You seek something that cannot be obtained. I am sure that you will die from sadness: it is impossible to get the sun and moon

A deva shows a grieving father the way to end his sorrow.

Although I did not have anything with which to practice generosity, I encouraged others.

A deva explains how worshiping the relics of a Buddha can bring much happiness.

Because of this meritorious deed, I have been born as a very beautiful deva and enjoy all the wonderful things that delight my heart.

A deva explains the results of taking care of one’s parents and having confidence in monks.

I arranged those flowers beautifully while recollecting the great qualities of the Supreme Buddha.

Arahant Moggallana asks what meritorious action a deva did to became so powerful.

In this desert, there are no fruits, roots or any food or drink. There is no way to make a fire. There is only dust and scorching sand.

A deva named Serissaka explains how he came to enjoy a comfortable life and what we can do to achieve the same.

… one who wishes happiness in the human world and the heavenly world should offer fruit

Giving is always great.

A deva explains…

I offered eight fallen flowers to the stupa…

Gregory Schopen (among others) has pondered the lack of stupa-related rules in the Theravāda Vinaya and wondered if this might reflect a sectarian difference in stupa worship. This sutta from the Theravādan Vimāna Vatthu shows that they not only knew of this common practice, they celebrated it.

I offered all those flowers with a happy mind

Following the precepts, leading a restrained life, practicing generosity, and having faith brings much happiness.

But I offered them much more food than you did! Yet, I have been born in a lower heavenly world. Having offered very little, how did you receive more happiness than me?

Devas discuss the importance of thinking about the whole Noble Sangha when giving alms instead of individual monks.

I had unshakable faith in the Triple Gem. I practiced the precepts and delighted in giving and sharing.

A deva explains how they came to be reborn in heaven.

I happily offered alms to that Arahant monk with my own hands. Because of this meritorious deed, I have been born as a very beautiful devata

I was a servant working in other people’s houses. But I was very fortunate…

Only those who do good deeds are reborn in heaven.

One day, I saw several monks who were very thirsty and had fallen to the ground. I got up quickly and offered them water to drink.

A deva explains the merit accumulated when she offered water to a monk who had fallen.

To my amazement, I was reborn in the heavenly Nandana Park as a goddess!

A deva explains how offering a honey covered cake led her to rebirth in a heavenly park.

Because of these meritorious deeds, I have been born as a very beautiful devata

A deva explains how keeping the precepts and being a follower of the Supreme Buddha can bring happiness.

I did not have valuable things to offer. But still, I offered some

Even a small offering of sesame seeds to the Buddha brought much merit.

Raising my hands and putting my palms and fingers together, I saluted

Arahant Moggallana asks a deva about his previous good karma.