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Tatthārtha Sūtra
In the realms of stability, influence, happiness, brightness, the purity of lesya, sensory objects, and material objects, the superior deities are predominant. 178 The lower deities are lesser in movement and body. In possessions and pride, from the lower deities to the superior deities, a higher predominance is noted in seven aspects according to the following:
1. Stability: The special explanation of this is provided in the same sutra earlier.
2. Influence: The capacity to exert control; the capacity for powers like anima, mahima, etc., and the strength to compel others to work — all these are included in influence. Although these influences in the superior deities are greater, the increasing pride and diminishing knowledge mean they make lesser use of their own influence.
3, 4. Happiness and brightness: Experiencing sensory objects through the senses is happiness. The radiance of the body, clothing, and adornments, etc., is brightness. The reason for happiness and brightness being greater in the superior deities is the intrinsic excellence of the beneficial results arising from superior qualities in the field.
5. Purity of lesya: The rules of lesya will be clarified in the same sutra earlier. It should be understood here that even in the deities having lesya, there are expectations in the lower realms.