An Analysis of the Buddha’s Answers to Sakkha Deva’s Question in Sakkapahasutta

Abstract

This research has 2 objectives 1) to study the structure and significant contents of Sakkapanhasutta, and 2) to analyze the Buddha’s answers to Sakkha Deva’s question in Sakkapahasutta. It was qualitative method focusing on document investigation.

The findings revealed that Sakkapanhasutta is a discourse concerning with the Sakka’s questions to the Buddha while the Buddha was residing at the Indasala cave on Vediyaka mount, located to the north of the Brahmin village of Ambasanda, the east of Rajagaha city. The discourse was presented in a question-and-answer format. Its content was divided into 2 sections: First section is further subdivided into four parts: Introduction, Story of Pancasika, the celestial musician plays music, Sakka’s audience with the Buddha, Sakka’s inquiry about Kopaka, the young celestial prince. Second section was divided into 2 parts: Sakka’s questions to the Buddham and the Buddha’s responses to questions. In analyzing the responses to Sakka’s questions in Sakkapanhasutta, it was noted that Sakka, the King of the Gods, summons Pancasika, the celestial musician, to seek permission from the Buddha to approach Him. Once the Buddha grants permission, Sakka and his retinue of gods entered the Buddha’s presence and inform Him about Kopaka, the young celestial prince. Sakka concluded that he has come to hear the Dhamma after learning the practice and results of Kopaka’s spiritual practice. Sakka then requested to ask the Buddha some questions. Upon receiving the Buddha’s consent, Sakka posed twelve questions, one of which is: ‘Why do many gods and humans desire to be free of enmity, yet still remain bound by it?’ The Buddha responded by explaining that the causes of their bondage include Issa or envy and Macchariya or miserliness, etc. After the discourse, Sakka and 80,000 of his attendant gods attained the Dhamma-eye, achieving the stage of Sotapanna. Furthermore, Sakka himself underwent a transformation from the old King of Gods to be a youthful one due to his listening such Dhamma.