Does gandhabba mean “semen”?

[CurlyCarl]

@Bird-of-Paradise

True the term gandhabba is found in SN 31. But none of the suttas in Gandhabakayasamyutta has Agama parallels. What does that say???
Why do we find this term in Buddhism? Could it have been due to Vedic influence

@thomaslaw

about early Buddhist adaptations of Vedic mythical beliefs regarding nāgas “mythical dragons/snakes”, supaṇṇas “mythical birds”, gandhabbas “fragrant plant devas”, and valāhakas “cloud devas"

I think it is important to distinguish between the Vedic teaching and the Sutta teaching; otherwise one becomes a follower of the Vedic teachings; which includes the vibhava of dismissing these concepts as “mythology”.

If we read SN 29 to SN 32 carefully, we will find they are about kamma:

• The Naga engage in mixed kamma, serve the Supaṇṇa, but also can aspire to good kamma & to the other world/heaven.
• The Supaṇṇa are the most powerful; engaged in mixed kamma; not seeking the other world. The Supaṇṇa seem content with their worldly power in their world.
• The Gandhabba engage in good kamma.
• The Cloud Gods engage in good kamma.

The above was analyzed in detail at this post: Confused about SN29 (Chapter on Dragons) - #5 by CurlyCarl

Therefore, in general, it seems the Gandhabba is some type creative power (deva) for the good; seeking to preserve/advance life rather than destroy/harm life.