Hello Aloka, unfortunately he didn't give me any cookies!Aloka wrote:Can you say a little more about this please, cookiemonster? Do you see Brahma or hear him speaking to to you ?cookiemonster wrote:Is this skepticism towards this teacher, or towards the existence of Brahma Sahampati?
I've prayed to Brahma and received answered prayers.
....and did you receive some cookies ?
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Like Lord Buddha stated in the Ratana Sutta: "Whatever beings (non-humans) are assembled here, terrestrial or celestial, may they all have peace of mind, and may they listen attentively to these words: O beings, listen closely. May you all radiate loving-kindness to those human beings who, by day and night, bring offerings to you (offer merit to you). Wherefore, protect them with diligence." http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka ... html#khp-6" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I take that to mean that celestial beings like the various devas and Brahmas do exist. I do not believe they are omnipotent or omniscient but I do believe that they possess great power, and can and do protect Buddhists who share merits with them.
I pray specifically to Lord Brahma Sahampati or Lord Sakka, as I believe I've read in the suttas that they have achieved one of the four levels of awakening and are Buddhist protectors. When I pray to them, I try not to ask for selfish reasons, but only for Buddhist-compatible reasons (like alleviating suffering or to help others or myself to walk the noble eightfold path in some way). I ask for their assistance in Lord Buddha's name, and I also offer to share my merit with them, and to honor their names. So far, I've had many prayers answered in this way.
I have not heard or seen Brahma directly yet, but I believe that's because I haven't achieved jhanic mastery yet; I fully expect to when I do.