Deva This is a Pali and Sankrit term denoting a ‘heavenly being’ or ‘shining one.’
In Buddhism the devas inhabit the heavens but are subject to the law reincarnation, like all other sentient beings. They are opposed to asuras, essentially evil spirits.
In Hinduism the devas are (a) the absolute (Brahman) in the form of a personal god (b) mortal beings inhabiting a realm higher than the human sphere, and (c) a name attached to human beings who have realized God and attained enlightenment.
Whether or not individuals actually attain perfection or merely become subsumed by the power of a deva is a point of debate sparked by the traditional Catholic view of discernment along with C. G. Jung’s archetypal psychology. » Demons
Add to this, report errors, suggest edits or voice your opinion by posting a comment
