So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Rājagaha, on the Vulture’s Peak Mountain. Then, late at night, the Four Great Kings—with large armies of Yaksha, Gandharva, kumbhāṇḍa, and Naga—set guards, troops, and wards at the four quarters and then, lighting up the entire Vulture’s Peak with their beauty, went up to the Buddha, bowed, and sat down to one side. Before sitting down to one side, some spirits bowed, some exchanged greetings and polite conversation, some held up their joined palms toward the Buddha, some announced their name and clan, while some kept silent.

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Continuing with our study of the spirits, we move on to the class of spirits known as Gandharva. While Yakshas are territorial and violent, the Gandhara are alluring and sensuous. Gandhara are considered divine entertainers whose delightful and sensual persona, musical talents, and entertaining ability offer delight to the higher class of celestial beings. They are depicted as winged celestial carrying various musical instruments on temple walls.

Buddhist mythology is rich with colorful and symbolic characters that represent various aspects of human nature and the challenges we face on our spiritual journey. From this perspective, the Gandharva, a low-level celestial being are seen as distractions that hinder our progress towards enlightenment.

To understand this, we need to know that Buddhist practices attract secular success and happiness in life. When that happens, it is inevitable that some of us will lose track of our spiritual practice and indulge in materialistic enjoyment instead. It’s like preferring Netflix over meditation.

The Tempting Nature of the Gandharva:

In Buddhist mythology, the Gandharva is often depicted as a celestial musician with mesmerizing beauty and captivating melodies. They possess a charm that can effortlessly entice and distract individuals from their spiritual path. The Gandharva represents the allure of sensual pleasures, material desires, and the temptation to indulge in worldly distractions. Imagine trying to meditate and your favourite song from Madonna or Lady Gaga that is playing in your head is preventing you from entering Jhana.

Detachment and the Pursuit of Enlightenment:

Central to Buddhist philosophy is the concept of detachment and the recognition of the impermanent nature of worldly desires. The qualities associated with the Gandharva, such as sensual craving, attachment, and indulgence, are seen as obstacles to achieving inner peace and liberation from suffering. Therefore, Buddhism is reluctant to utilize popular music as a means of attracting younger people into the congregation.

Avoiding Gandharva-like Qualities:

a) Sensual Craving: The Gandharva embodies the seductive allure of sensual pleasures. By recognizing and understanding the transient nature of these desires, we can strive to cultivate contentment, moderation, and gratitude, freeing ourselves from the cycle of craving.

b) Attachment: The Gandharva’s charm lies in its ability to ensnare individuals through attachment. By cultivating non-attachment, we learn to let go of clinging to people, possessions, and outcomes, freeing ourselves from suffering and fostering compassion for all beings.

c) Worldly Distractions: The Gandharva tempts us to be distracted by the glittering illusions of the world. By practicing mindfulness and focusing on the present moment, we can develop clarity and inner peace, enabling us to navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and discernment.

The Divine King who lords over the Gandharva is Dhatarattha. His domain is the Eastern quarter and is depicted as holding a lute (musical instrument).

May all be well and happy.