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Buddhists/Angels and demons in Buddhism

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Expert: - 4/14/2011


Question
I'm researching angel and demon doctrines in the world's religions for a paper.  Being Christian, I'm clearer about the doctrines and their origins within the three monotheistic religions. It's also easier to find sources from Biblical and Near Eastern scholars. Is there an official doctrine on angels and demons in Buddhism? If so, where are those sources?

Answer
Hi Sharon,

Buddhist text is found in the Tipitakka which recorded all the Buddha's discourses.  In Buddhist scriptures, demons and angels are just beings existing in different planes of existence.  They are totally different from those potrayed in Christianity. Since you are not asking for explanation, I would just lead you to two approppriate links, for a start.  Please note that there are many other links in the internet.

You may like to start from here:

1.  http://www.accesstoinsight.org/index-subject.html#d

Scroll down to "Devas (celestial beings). See also Kamma; Planes of Existence, Thirty-one; Sagga (heaven)."


2.  http://www.buddhisma2z.com/

3.  http://buddhanet.net/e-learning/index.htm


Hope this helps.

Justin Choo  

Buddhists

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Justin Choo

Expertise

When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition, and have been studying Buddhism for more than 40 years. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.

Experience

I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 40 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple. My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @ http://www.ksridhammananda.com

Organizations
I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.

Publications
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @ http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/ Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)

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