Early Monastic Buddhism v2.c38.s9.4

v2.c38.s9.4

The next lower fruits attained by the *upāsakas* are detailed in the *Janavasabha Sutta*² where it is stated that those who take the *tisaraṇa* and observe the *sīlas* are reborn as Paranimmitavasavatti, Nimmāṇarati, Tusita, Yama, Tāvatiṃsa and Cātummahārājika³ gods, and that the lowest state in which an *upāsaka* is reborn is that of Gandhabba. The merit of observing the uposatha with eight precepts is immense happiness surpassing even that of the kingship of all the sixteen provinces of India. He is reborn as one of the gods of the heavens mentioned above. A man or a woman who has observed the uposatha and earned the least merit will be reborn as a god.⁴