GUIDELINES FOR ATTAINING HEAVEN IN THERAVADA BUDDHISM

Abstract

Heaven in Theravada Buddhism means a place of excellent emotions, which is the residence of angels. The types of heaven in Theravada Buddhism are divided into 2 types: those who indulge in sensual pleasures, called “angels”, which have 6 levels, and those who do not indulge in sensual pleasures, called “brahmas”, which have 20 levels, divided into 16 form-brahmas and 4 formless-brahmas. The practice to reach heaven in Theravada Buddhism is to have faith in the Triple Gem, give alms, and observe the precepts, which will lead to being born as “angels”. Practicing meditation will lead to being born as “brahmas”. If one practices meditation until the defilements are exhausted, one will attain the state of an Ariya person, which is an Arahant, and thus will not have to be reborn again.