Faith and Devotion in Theravāda Buddhism

The book first discusses the Theravāda conception of gods and deities, including the meaning of deva, the Buddha’s attitude toward gods, the position of devas in Buddhist doctrine, the distinction between higher and lower devas, recollection of devas, and the comparison between Buddhist devas and Vedic or Brahmanical gods. It then examines the Buddhist critique of theism and the rejection of a creator-god, absolute being, eternal self, omnipotent agent, and supreme creator, especially in relation to doctrines such as anicca, anattā, paṭiccasamuppāda, kamma, and nibbāna. The second major section studies the Buddha in Theravāda literature, focusing on the meaning of the word “Buddha,” his special knowledge, omniscience, compassion, supernatural powers, physical and spiritual excellence, supremacy over humans, devas, arahants, paccekabuddhas, and other Buddhas, as well as his transcendence and divinity-like status without turning him into a creator-god. The final major section analyzes saddhā and bhatti in Theravāda Buddhism, explaining the meaning, types, scope, cultivation, benefits, and possible limitations of faith, together with the origins, objectives, practices, and fruits of Buddhist devotion, including Buddha-pūjā, Buddha-accanā, Buddha-patthanā, praise, homage, and devotional attitudes toward the Buddha before and after his parinibbāna.