Seven Vows for Achieving the Status of ‘Ruler of the Heavenly Beings’

Monks, in the past, when Sakka, Ruler of the Heavenly Beings, was a human being, he was a Brāhmin youth named Magha; therefore he is called Maghavā.

Monks, in the past, when Sakka, Ruler of the Heavenly Beings, was a human being, he gave gifts in city after city; therefore he is called Purindada, the Urban Donor.

Monks, in the past, when Sakka, Ruler of the Heavenly Beings, was a human being, he gave gifts considerately; therefore he is called Sakka.

Monks, in the past, when Sakka, Ruler of the Heavenly Beings, was a human being, he gave a rest house; therefore he is called Vāsava.

Monks, Sakka, Ruler of the Heavenly Beings, thinks of a thousand matters in a moment; therefore he is called Sahassakkha, Thousand‑eyed.

Monks, Sakka’s wife is the asura maiden named Sujā; therefore he is called Sujampati, Sujā’s husband.

Monks, Sakka, Ruler of the Heavenly Beings, exercises supreme sovereignty and rulership over the Tāvatiṃsa heavenly beings; therefore he is called Ruler of the Heavenly Beings.

Monks, in the past, when Sakka, Ruler of the Heavenly Beings, was a human being, he adopted and undertook seven vows by the undertaking of which he achieved the status of Sakka.

What were the seven vows?

1. As long as I live, may I support my parents.

   
   

2. As long as I live, may I respect the family elders.

   
   

3. As long as I live, may I speak gently.

   
   

4. As long as I live, may I not speak argumentatively.

   
   

5. As long as I live, may I reside at home with a mind free of the stain of selfishness, freely generous, open‑handed, delighting in letting go, devoted to charity, delighting in giving and sharing.

   
   

6. As long as I live, may I speak the truth.

   
   

7. As long as I live, may I be free from anger, and if anger should arise in me, may I eliminate it. (cut it off)

(Reference: SN 11.11 and SN 11.12)

In this Teaching from Gotama Buddha, he shares seven vows that a human being practiced in order to ultimately become Ruler of the Heavenly Beings.

While the goal of this path is not to aspire to become a “Ruler of the Heavenly Beings” nor even be reborn in the heavenly realm at all, a Practitioner can learn and practice these same qualities of mind in order to move the mind towards Enlightenment.

All seven of these practices would help a Practitioner progress in their life practice towards the attainment of Enlightenment.

Supporting one’s parents, respecting elders, speaking gently, not speaking argumentatively, practicing generosity to eliminate selfishness, speaking the truth, and eliminating anger are all important qualities of mind to cultivate.

These are all aspects of developing one’s life practice that they would need to be practicing, along with others, to attain Enlightenment.