1 Simple Version

At Sāvatthi. “Bhikkhus, I will teach you about the devas of the cloud-dwelling order. Listen to that….

“And what, Bhikkhus, are the devas of the cloud-dwelling order? There are, Bhikkhus, cool-cloud devas, warm-cloud devas, storm-cloud devas, wind-cloud devas, and rain-cloud devas.

“These, Bhikkhus, are called the devas of the cloud-dwelling order.”

2 Good Conduct

(Identical with 31:2, but concerning rebirth in the company of the devas of the cloud-dwelling order.)

3–12 With the Support of Giving (1)

(These suttas are modelled on 31:13–22, but concerning rebirth in the company of the cool-cloud devas.)

13–52 With the Support of Giving (2)

(These suttas repeat the paradigm in regard to rebirth among the other types of cloud-dwelling devas.)

53 Cool-Cloud Devas

At Sāvatthi…. Sitting to one side, that Bhikkhu said to the Blessed One: “Venerable sir, what is the cause and reason why it sometimes becomes cool?”

“There are, Bhikkhu, what are called cool-cloud devas. When it occurs to them, ‘Let us revel in our own kind of delight,’ then, in accordance with their wish, it becomes cool. This, Bhikkhu, is the cause and reason why it sometimes becomes cool.”

54 Warm-Cloud Devas

… “Venerable sir, what is the cause and reason why it sometimes becomes warm?”

“There are, Bhikkhu, what are called warm-cloud devas. When it occurs to them, ‘Let us revel in our own kind of delight,’ then, in accordance with their wish, it becomes warm. This, Bhikkhu, is the cause and reason why it sometimes becomes warm.”

55 Storm-Cloud Devas

… “Venerable sir, what is the cause and reason why it sometimes becomes stormy?”

“There are, Bhikkhu, what are called storm-cloud devas. When it occurs to them, ‘Let us revel in our own kind of delight,’ then, in accordance with their wish, it becomes stormy. This, Bhikkhu, is the cause and reason why it sometimes becomes stormy.”

56 Wind-Cloud Devas

… “Venerable sir, what is the cause and reason why it sometimes becomes windy?”

“There are, Bhikkhu, what are called wind-cloud devas. When it occurs to them, ‘Let us revel in our own kind of delight,’ then, in accordance with their wish, it becomes windy. This, Bhikkhu, is the cause and reason why it sometimes becomes windy.”

57 Rain-Cloud Devas

… “Venerable sir, what is the cause and reason why it sometimes rains?”

“There are, Bhikkhu, what are called rain-cloud devas. When it occurs to them, ‘Let us revel in our own kind of delight,’ then, in accordance with their wish, it rains. This, Bhikkhu, is the cause and reason why it sometimes rains.”