Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c13.s2.129

c13.s2.129

In days gone by... on the 15th, [*posathe*], at the Feast of the Invitations [*Pavāraṇā*] on the night of full moon, all the gods in the heaven of the Thirty-Three were assembled [*devā tāvatiṇsā sudhammā yaṁ sabbāyaṁ sannisinnā honti*] sitting in their Hall of Good Council. And a vast celestial company [*mahatica dibbaparisā*] was seated round about, and at the four quarters [*catuddisā*] sat the four Great Kings [*cattāro ca mahārājāno*]. King of the East, seating facing the West, King of the South... facing the north,... of the West... of the North.⁵ When... all the gods... are assembled, and seated in their Hall of Good Council..., and with the four Great Kings at four quarters..., after that come our seats. And those gods... who had been recently reborn in the hosts of the Thirty-Tree... outshine the other gods in appearance and in glory [*te aññe deve atirocanti aṇṇena ceva yasasā ca*].... Then Sakka... ruler of the gods, when he saw the satisfaction felt by the Thirty-Three gods expressed his approval in these verses. The Three and Thirty, verily, both gods and lords, rejoice... Come hither; and in glory all the other gods outshine....⁶ Hereat... the Thirty-Three gods were even more... glad and of good cheer.... Then Sakka,... perceiving the satisfaction of the Thirty-Three gods, addressed them thus: 'Is it your wish,