Indian Philosophy v1.c8.s2.10

v1.c8.s2.10

An important point to be borne in mind in this discussion is that the word "deva" is so very elusive in its nature and is used to indicate many different things.¹ "Deva is one who gives to man."² God is deva because He gives the whole world. The learned man who imparts knowledge to fellow man is also a deva.³ The sun, the moon and the sky are devas because they give light to all creation. Father and mother and spiritual guides are also devas.¹ Even a guest is a deva. We have to take into account only that notion of deva which answers at least roughly to the modern conception of God. It then means bright.