Expert: Justin Choo - 1/11/2011

Question
(1) I've read that Mara is among the highest tier of the kamadhatu, or desire realm. Does this mean that Mara was benevolent in his past lives? Is Mara currently a benevolent deva, whose main fault is only his jealousy of those capable of enlightenment/jhanas? Could someone like Mara have become a deva without personally meritous actions/intentions?
(2) Are there malevolent devas? Would this imply that they were benevolent in past lives but had come nefarious in their current lives?
(3) What/who are the torturers in naraka? Are they devas? Are they just residents of naraka who've decided to harass their "neighbors"? Are they subject to rebirth like all sentient beings are? Do they accumulate negative karma from their actions?
(4) Besides our own personal "demons," what would be the most similar Buddhist equivalent of demons? Would it be the residents of Naraka, their torturers, or the asuras?
(5) Does playing violent video games contribute to negative karma? Is it okay for me to indulge in those recreations, seeing as I do not take life? or is it considered unskillful?

Sorry for all the questions. I can't seem to find the answers myself, so an answer would be most appreciated!

Answer
Hi Tony,

1.  If you have the chart showing the 31 planes of existence, you would notice that Mara recides in the highest plane of happiness connected with desires.  It has a very long name called Paranimmita-vasavati.  Mara, like any other person, was reborn in the particular rhealm as commensurate with his storehouse of kamma.

2. We use the term "devas" usually to denote good devas.  To be born as devas, it is also because of their good storehouse of kamma.  As with any being, it is possible to be "malevolent" at times, just like us.

3. There are many who do not believe that there are such people specifically existed to torture other beings.  I am one of them.  

4. You are right, we are our own demons. Other demons would include the demons called Asuras and ghosts and unhappy spirits in the planes of misery.

5. Very easy to make a decision.  You just need to use your common sense on these three criteria:
  i. Will the action hurt you?
  ii. Will the action hurt others?
  iii. Will the action be beneficial?

Hope this answers all your questions.

Take care.

Justin Choo