Deva Path

The Deva Path (天道, Tendō) grants its user the ability to direct attractive and repulsive forces on objects and people.

These techniques cannot be used in rapid succession, however; the time needed to recover after use depends on the scale of the technique performed — at least five seconds are required. Used at high intensity it not only demands a long rest, it can also shorten the user's lifespan. The Deva Path grants one further ability: Chibaku Tensei — the power to create a huge, temporary celestial body from all surrounding matter drawn to a released black sphere.

Although Nagato wielded the Deva Path's powers himself before he was crippled, he spent the rest of his life channelling this power through the body of his dead friend Yahiko, using Yahiko as the face of the Pain identity. In the anime, Nagato was shown levitating through Pain — both before flattening Konoha and during the battle against Naruto in his six-tailed form.

Influences

In Buddhism, the Deva realm is the realm of bliss. It is sometimes called the "realm of the gods", because its inhabitants are so powerful compared to humans that they can almost be likened to divine beings. Yet beings born into the Deva realm are still subject to rebirth. Devas wrestle with pride, and with the pain of knowing that their long lives and power will not ultimately prevent their rebirth.