The concept of the 6 realms of Buddhism comes from ancient Indian Brahmanism. Buddhism adopted this idea of reincarnation, which refers to the continuous cycle of death and rebirth. Beings experience this cycle because of their actions, or karma. These actions lead to different realms, a total of six possible destinations.
The Buddhist Concept of Rebirth
Reincarnation is a core Buddhist belief. It explains that after death, individuals are reborn into different realms. This process continues until one achieves liberation through spiritual practices. Additionally, Buddhism emphasizes that each person’s karma determines their future rebirth. It influences their next world and identity.
Generally, these 6 buddhist realms include the Asura realm (demi-gods), the human realm, the Deva realm (heavenly beings), the hell realm, the hungry ghost realm, and the animal realm.
Exploring the 6 Realms of Buddhism
These six realms are further divided into three “evil” realms, which are hell, hungry ghost, and animal realms. Additionally, there are three “good” realms including the human, Asura, and Deva realms. These six realms are interconnected, and beings cycle through them. Furthermore, this cycle involves four forms of birth: womb-born, egg-born, moisture-born, and transformation-born.
The Deva Realm: Realm of Heavenly Beings
The Deva realm is considered the highest of the 6 realms of Buddhism. “Deva” signifies a supreme position where beings have great blessings. Moreover, this realm is divided into twenty-eight levels, with three main categories:
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Desire Realm: With six levels, these beings still have desires and emotions, similar to humans.
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Form Realm: This realm has eighteen levels across four Dhyanas. Beings here have no desires but still possess form.
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Formless Realm: Also known as the Realm of Emptiness, there are no desires or physical form.
Heavenly beings have incredibly long lifespans. For example, one day in the Four Heavenly Kings’ realm equals fifty human years. The lifespans continue to increase, with the highest level reaching immeasurable eons.
The Human Realm: Our Current Existence
The human realm is relatively easy to understand. While humans primarily reside on Earth, other planets might have beings that also belong to this realm. These beings share characteristics with humans, like intelligence and feelings.
The Asura Realm: The Realm of Demi-Gods
The term “Asura” translates to “not righteous.” They are known for their competitive nature. There are four types of Asuras, existing in different realms but not in hell. The Asura realm is categorized as one of the good realms because Asuras share many blessings with Devas. However, they lack the virtues of the Devas.
The Animal Realm: Diverse Forms of Life
The animal realm is quite diverse, featuring beings in four modes of birth. These include womb-born, like mammals; egg-born, like birds; moisture-born, from damp conditions, like insects; and transformation-born, without parents, like dragons.
The Hungry Ghost Realm: A Realm of Want
The hungry ghost realm is complex. It includes ghosts with much wealth, those with little wealth, and those with no wealth. The latter are the “hungry ghosts,” constantly suffering and unable to satisfy their hunger. Their lifespan is long, but their sense of time is different from that of humans.
The Hell Realm: The Most Miserable Realm
The hell realm is the most miserable. There are many hells, generally categorized into fundamental, neighboring, and solitary hells. Among these, the Avici hell, also known as the hell of incessant suffering, is the most torturous. People who commit severe misdeeds are believed to fall into this hell.
Determining Your Past Realm
Characteristics of Those from the Hell Realm
Those reborn from hell often have a hoarse voice and are untruthful. They are also disrespectful and unfilial. Moreover, they tend to be short-lived and have difficulty developing good intentions.
Identifying Those from the Animal Realm
People from the animal realm are often dull, greedy, and stubborn. They are also physically strong and have deceitful hearts. They are not able to develop a good mind, do not believe in the Dharma, and frequently commit the ten evil deeds.
Recognizing Those from the Hungry Ghost Realm
Individuals from the hungry ghost realm are often thin, with a dull complexion. They also feel constantly hungry and are extremely stingy. They are critical of others and full of greed. In addition, they dislike good deeds and hold perverse views.
The Traits of Those from the Asura Realm
People from the Asura realm are arrogant and competitive. They tend to be easily angered, speak insincerely, and harbor grudges. Furthermore, they often start fights, are aggressive, and break up harmony.
The Nature of Those from the Human Realm
Those from the human realm are virtuous, loyal, and kind. Additionally, they respect teachers and are grateful. They also enjoy practicing Buddhism and helping others, which leads to a positive rebirth.
Signs of Those from the Deva Realm
People reborn from the Deva realm are dignified and intelligent. They prefer purity and are friends with virtuous people. In addition, they are leaders, gentle and wise, and often have the desire to become monks.
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