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NATURE OF HAPPINESS OF DEVAS
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of sparsarūpaśabdamanāmsi. Teşu pravicāro yeşām te sparsarūpaśabdamanaḥ pravicārāḥ (which is a bahuvrihi compound). The compounds in the phrase are of two kinds, dvandva and bahuvrihi. How are these to be taken? Without contradicting the authority of the holy scriptures. Why is 'pravicard? mentioned again? It is in order to convey what is intended. What is it that does not contradict the scriptures ? In Sanatkumāra and Mähendra kalpas the devas as well as devis derive the highest pleasure by more touch of the body. In Brahma, Brahmottara, Lāntava and Kāpistha Kalpas, the devas experience the highest pleasure by looking at the charming and lovely forms and the beautiful and attractive dress of devis. In Sukra, Mahāśukra, Satāra and Sahasrara Kalpas, the devas derive the highest enjoyment by listening to the sweet songs, the gentle laughter, the lovely words and the pleasant sounds of the ornaments of their devis. In Anata, Prāṇata, Arana and Acyuta Kalpas the devas get the utmost pleasure the moment they think of their devis. What is the nature of happiness of the rest ?
परेऽप्रवीचाराः Pare apravīcārāḥ
(9) 9. The rest are without sexual desire.
Para includes all the remaining celestial beings. Apravicāra is intended to indicate the highest happiness. Copulation (pravicāra) is merely a palliative for pain. In the absence of pain or uneasiness they enjoy the highest happiness incessantly. What are the ten classes of devas of the first order ? भवनवासिनोऽसुरनागविद्यत्सुपर्णाग्निवातस्तनितोद घिद्वीपदिक्कुमाराः
Il go il Bhavanavāsino asuranāgavidyulsuparnāgni
vātastanitodadhidvipadikkumārāḥ (10) 10. The Residential devas comprise Asura, Nāga, Vidyut, Suparna, Agni, Vāla, Stanita, Udadhi, Dvipa and Dikkumāras. Those who live in mansions are called Residential devas.
i devis: the wives of devas, i. e. celestial women.
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