Studies in the Origins of Buddhism c19.36

c19.36

²⁶ MN. II. 87; Cf. MN. S. 8. This is opposed to the opinion of Mrs. Rhys Davids who sees in Jhāna, for Buddha, a means for “access” to the Deva-worlds, Sakya, 180. It is hard to agree with this view. Psychic development, including clairaudience and clairvoyance, is certainly claimed in the Nikāyas to be one of the results of Jhānic practice. But there is no reason to suppose that that was the aim for which Buddha engaged in Jhāna. The yogic tradition is opposed to such a utilisation of Jhāna. Further, it sounds not a little strange to hear that the Enlightened One sought enlightenment from converse with the Devas. Moggalāna's instance is of doubtful authenticity here and is isolated. Besides, that he should have felt the need of obtaining “his leader's sanction” is itself significant. AN. II. 184 does not say that one should practise Jhāna for reaching the Devas.