分別功德論 2.24

2.24

Regarding mindfulness of the devas (devatānusmṛti): this refers to the devas of the desire realm, form realm, up to the formless realm. There are two kinds of devas: there are devas who receive merit, and there are devas of the Way and virtue. The srotāpanna devas in the desire realm are forever freed from the three evil destinies and ascend to the halls of the Way. In the form realm and space realm, the eight pure abodes (śuddhāvāsa) cultivate increasing śamatha and vipaśyanā, advance to achieve anāsrava, and enter nirvāṇa right there without returning to the world. As for the devas who are ordinary beings: through the ten wholesome actions, the four dhyānas, and the four formless attainments, they receive merit there; when their merit is exhausted, they fall back down, transmigrating ceaselessly. That which is called mindfulness of the devas means to be mindful of those who have attained the Way, single-mindedly emulating them and admiring what they practice; when the mind does not scatter or wander, one also reaches nirvāṇa. Therefore it is called mindfulness of the devas.