Moggallana Bhante:

Devata, you are in this Cittalata Park surrounded by many goddesses as if you were the god Sakka. Your beauty shines in all directions like the bright star named Osadhi.

What are the meritorious deeds that led to this happiness?

Tell me Devata, what kind of meritorious actions did you do when you were in the human world to have gained this beauty that shines in all directions, and to have earned all these wonderful things?

That devata, delighted at being questioned by Arahant Moggallana, gladly explained what she had done that resulted in such great happiness.

Devata:

Bhante, in the human world my house was located in a fishing village. Some of the Supreme Buddha’a monks visited that area for almsround. With a happy mind, I offered rice, honey-covered cake, vegetables, and rice-gruel to those virtuous monks who were dedicated to Dhamma practice.

I was eager to observe the Eight Precepts four times a month on each of the four moon phases. I led a restrained life and was very generous.

I abstained from killing, stealing, lying, and taking intoxicants. I did not cheat on my husband. I was delighted to keep these Five Precepts every day. I was a lay follower of Gautama Supreme Buddha, the one who had the great wisdom to see the reality of the world. I was wise enough to realize the Four Noble Truths.

Because of my virtuous life and meritorious deeds, I live happily here. I have been born as a very beautiful devata and enjoy all the wonderful things that delight my heart.

Great Bhante, those were the meritorious deeds I did to have such a beautiful body that shines in all directions.

Please Bhante, pay homage on my behalf by placing your head on the Blessed One’s feet and saying, “Bhante, the lay follower named Lakhuma pays homage by placing her head on the Blessed One’s feet.” The Blessed One stated that I have attained a certain fruit of enlightenment. I too know that.

Bhante, the Supreme Buddha declared that I have attained the fruit of once returner.