Gods

Gods (lha)

• One of the six classes of living beings ('gro ba rigs drug) which in turn comprise the three higher existences (mtho ris gsum) and the three inferior existences (ngan song gsum). The gods (Skt. deva/ sura) are placed in the former category, and their mode of activity is engendered by pride- enticed as they are by their excellent attributes and longevity. The god realms include those of the six classes of divinity inhabiting the world-system of desire (kāmadhātu) and those of the seventeen classes of divinity inhabiting the world-system of form (rūpadhātu), along with the four formless meditative absorptions of the world-system of formlessness (ārūpyadhātu). For an analysis of the mental disposition of the gods and the sufferings which they endure, see dPal-sprul Rin-po-che, The Words of My Perfect Teacher, pp. 93-4. See also under six classes of living beings and three world systems. GD (from the Glossary to Tibetan Elemental Divination Paintings)