The Phenomenon Beyond the Brahma Realm: When the Buddha “Fact-Checked” the Great Brahma’s Belief in Immortality
In the course of human life, we often encounter moments of absolute certainty, convinced that what we possess or where we stand is the “ultimate” pinnacle of success. But what happens when someone steps in and points out that a deeper, grander dimension still exists? The story in the “Brahmanimantanika Sutta” is like a cosmic version of such an event, where the Buddha found it necessary to initiate a “Fact-Check” mode right in front of the mighty Great Brahma.
This article volunteers to decode the intellectual clash that occurred in the Brahma realm, inviting modern readers to ponder the intriguing question: “Beyond being a Brahma… is there anything greater?”
Baka Brahma’s Myth of Eternity
The story begins when Baka Brahmā, a powerful being in the Brahma realm, developed a wrong view, or a distorted misconception, that the place he inhabited was permanent, stable, eternal, and immortal. Baka Brahmā strongly believed that in this realm, there was no birth, aging, or death. Most importantly, he was convinced that “there is no other escape from suffering superior to this.”
In summary, from Baka Brahmā’s perspective, he believed he had reached the absolute peak of life’s evolution.
The Buddha’s Intellectual Intervention
When the Buddha became aware of this current of thought, He decided to travel instantly from the human world to appear in the Brahma realm to conduct an “Intellectual Intervention.” He began the conversation with words that shook Baka Brahmā’s confidence to its core: “Sir… Baka Brahmā has fallen into a state of ignorance (avijjā).”
The Buddha pointed out the truth contrary to Baka Brahmā’s belief: what was understood as permanent was actually “impermanent,” and the state understood as free from birth or death was actually “still subject to movement and change.”
When Mara Appears as the Obstructor
Amidst the intense Dhamma discussion, “Mara” (the Evil One) seized the opportunity to infiltrate and possess the body of a member of Baka Brahma’s assembly to utter threatening words to the Buddha: “Do not invade Baka Brahmā.” Mara tried to legitimize Baka Brahmā’s concept by citing past ascetics or Brahmins who had criticized Brahmas and the four elements (earth, water, fire, wind) and met with unfortunate ends, while those who praised and revered Brahmas were reborn in high heavenly realms.
Mara attempted to pressure the Buddha into submitting to Brahma’s power. However, with His supreme wisdom, the Buddha instantly recognized the ploy and replied decisively that He knew Mara’s true identity and affirmed that He was not under Mara’s power in any way.
The Psychic Power Challenge
Baka Brahmā tried to display his power to intimidate the Buddha, stating that if the Buddha still clung to the four elements, He would be considered under Brahma’s power, and challenged the Buddha by performing a feat of “vanishing.”
However, the result of the challenge was that Baka Brahmā could not hide himself from the Buddha’s sight. Conversely, when the Buddha performed a psychic feat (iddhābhisaṅkhāra), Baka Brahmā and his assembly could only hear His voice but could not see His body. This event proved that the Buddha possessed wisdom far deeper than the scope a Brahma could fathom.
Conclusion: The Truth Greater Than Being a Brahma
Ultimately, the Buddha revealed the supreme truth: He fully understood the four elements and “all things” but did not cling to them. He had attained “Nibbāna,” a state of nature realizable through wisdom but invisible to the naked eye (anidassana), a state accessible neither to worldly beings nor even Brahmas as long as they still harbored attachment.
This event left Baka Brahmā and the Brahma assembly amazed at the supreme wisdom and immense power of the ascetic Gotama.
Final Thought
The story in the Brahmanimantanika Sutta provides an important lesson for all of us regarding “intellectual humility” and the importance of constantly “fact-checking our own beliefs.” Even one situated in a lofty status like a Brahma, believing himself to be immortal, still had a day when he had to accept the truth that there were many things he still “did not know.”
It is likened to a person residing in a luxurious penthouse on a skyscraper, deluded into thinking this is the highest point in the world. The Buddha is like an astronaut traveling from distant space to point out the truth: “The exquisite room you occupy, however magnificent, is merely a tiny speck in the vast universe. Outside that framework of thought, a boundless space of freedom (Nibbāna) awaits discovery.”
An important question worth pondering today is: Are you certain that the “success” or “knowledge” you hold is truly the ultimate truth?
