Six lower realms Details, Meaning Six lower realms Article and Explanation Guide

Six lower realms Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description

The Six lower realms are six out of ten spiritual realms, these six realms compose samsara.

Table of contents

1 List of six lower realms

1.1 "Good realms"

1.1.1 God realm
1.1.2 Human realm
1.1.3 Asura realm

1.2 "Evil realms"

1.2.4 Hungry ghost realm
1.2.5 Animal realm
1.2.6 Hell realm

2 See also
3 External links

List of six lower realms

Note: Order of this list may be different for different Buddhist traditions.

"Good realms"

God realm

God realm is based on bliss and pride.

It must be noted that beings in this realm are refered to as gods, but have nothing in common with the monotheistic concept of god.

When making a graphical representation of Wheel of life (example) God realm is placed on the top, with Human realm to the left, and Titan realm to the right.

Human realm

Human realm (also Manushyas realm) is based on passion, desire, and doubt.

Buddhists see this realm as one in which homo sapiens live. It is seen as one of the more preferential realms to achieve enlightenment because of the possibilities that it offers.

When making a graphical representation of Wheel of life (example) Human realm is placed at 10 o'clock, with God realm to the right, and Animal realm below.

Asura realm

Asura realm is based on jealousy, fights and scientific advancements.

It is also sometimes refered to as Ashura realm, Titan realm, Jealous God realm, Demigod realm, or Anti-God realm.

Note: In some traditions Asuras are refered to as demons, which can be confusing since in other traditions sentient beings in Hell realm are also refered to by the same name.

Different Buddhist schools define the Asura realm differently. Japanese Buddhists put the Asura realm below the Human realm, while Tibetan traditions positions it above the realm of humans. According to the Buddhist practitioners advanced in meditation, the Asura ralm is, however, superior to human world.

The distinctive quality of Asura realm is proneness to fights and battles. Asuras are said to be intelligent, active and prone to competition, jealousy and fights. Asuras are superior to humans in how they see things: being logical creatures, they see the things how they are. Humans don't, as they value feelings. Partially because of that Titans are said to constantly battle Gods for dominance.

When making a graphical representation of Wheel of life (example) Asura realm is placed at 2 o'clock, with God realm to the left, and Hungry ghost realm below.

"Evil realms"

Hungry ghost realm

Hungry ghost realm (also Pretas realm) is based on possessiveness and desire.

When making a graphical representation of Wheel of life (example) hungry ghost realm is placed at 4 o'clock, with Asura realm above, and Hell realm to the left.

The reason why sentient beings in this realm are known as hungry ghosts is because they cannot enjoy food or drink. In Tibetan versions of Wheel of Life they are drawn with narrow necks to represent that condition.

Animal realm

Animal realm (also Tiryakas realm) is based on stupidity and prejudice.

Buddhists believe that this is a realm where the non-human animals on Earth are.

When making a graphical representation of Wheel of life (example) Animal realm is placed at 8 o'clock, with Human realm above, and Hell realm to the right.

Hell realm

Hell realm is based on hatred.

Note some Buddhist traditions refer to the sentient beings in Hell realm as demons, which is confusing, this reference can also be made to those in Asura realm.

Buddhist view of Hell realm differs significantly from monotheistic religions. First, beings in this realm are not there permanently, they stay there until their negative karma is used up, and then they move to another realm.

When making a graphical representation of Wheel of life (example) Hell realm is placed on the bottom, with Animal realm to the left, and Hungry ghost realm to the right.

External links

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