A deva is a human being. However, like the Buddha, Mogallana and Devadata, some devas have some supernormal powers.clw_uk wrote:One problem I have though with the notion of Devas etc being purely psychological is the distinct presenation of them as actual living beings within the Suttas. I can see how they can be seen as both however.
However, some of these devas with supernormal powers do not believe in the Buddha-Dhamma.
Like Christian angels, they believe in Godliness rather than vipassana truth.
Thus an angel prefers to teach humanity, for example, about eternal life with Jesus rather than the doctrine of impermanence.
They do this because they believe it is a more effective way to remedy suffering for those human beings.