Zhutian

Zhutian (諸天) is a Chinese Buddhist term that literally translates to "all heavens" or "various heavens." It refers collectively to the various celestial realms and the deities or beings that inhabit them within the Buddhist cosmology. These realms are part of the saṃsāra, the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

The Zhutian encompasses a wide range of divine beings, from relatively minor spirits to powerful gods and goddesses. While these beings are often referred to as "deities," it's crucial to understand that in Buddhism, they are still subject to karma and are not inherently enlightened beings like Buddhas. They may possess great power and live long lives, but they too are trapped in the cycle of suffering and strive for liberation.

The inclusion of Zhutian in Buddhist practice varies across different schools and traditions. In some traditions, offerings and prayers are made to certain Zhutian for protection, prosperity, or other worldly benefits. This practice is often seen as skillful means to attract people to the Dharma and eventually guide them towards the ultimate goal of enlightenment. Other schools may focus more on directly practicing the teachings of the Buddha and less on engaging with the Zhutian.

The hierarchical structure and specific inhabitants of the Zhutian realms are often described in Buddhist scriptures and vary slightly depending on the text and tradition. Common classifications include the Six Desire Realms (Kāmadhātu), the Form Realm (Rūpadhātu), and the Formless Realm (Arūpadhātu), with the Zhutian populating these realms according to their level of spiritual development and accumulated karma.