Six areas of existence

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In Mahayana - Buddhism the world is often in Six realms ( Sanskrit , Pali : Six Gatis , sometimes Lokas ) represented. Rebirth leads to one of these areas depending on the karma you have worked on yourself . The most precious birth is considered to be in the human realm , since it is there that liberation from the painful cycle of existence ( samsara ) is most likely possible. There are pictorial representations of the realms in all Buddhist traditions. They are most often encountered in the wheel of life of Tibetan Buddhism .

  • The realm of the gods ( devas ): The form of existence as a god is not redemption ; even the devas are not free from suffering and death and are still subject to the compulsions of samsara . But because existence as God is relatively happy, it is all the more difficult to see the need for salvation; Because of their temporary state of happiness they are narrow-minded and therefore not receptive to the Buddha's teaching. Your signature emotion is pride.
  • The realm of the jealous gods: They are also called asuras or titans . The jealous gods constantly quarrel with the gods and try to take their place, but they fail. There is a constant struggle. You don't have time to practice the Buddhist teachings. Your characteristic emotion is jealousy.
  • The human realm: Although subject to great suffering (birth, aging, illness, death, grief, separation), the human world is the most favorable realm, as it is most likely for people to hear the teachings of the Buddha and to live according to the teachings . The chance of achieving salvation from suffering and rebirth from this form of existence is higher than in any other area. Human existence is therefore preferable to all other forms of existence.
  • The realm of animals : Animals are not able to reflect on their own situation and to free themselves sustainably from their respective situation with their own strength. They can only follow their urges and instincts and are often helpless at the mercy of other beings. Here, too, the Buddha delivers his message. In very favorable circumstances an animal can attain liberation. The characteristic emotion of animals is ignorance.
  • The realm of hungry ghosts : They are also known as pretas. Here are those who were greedy, stingy or voracious in their pre-existence, in short: those who could never get enough. Their characteristic emotion is greed. Hunger ghosts are continually tormented by thirst and hunger. In the pictorial representation, their bellies are oversized, thick, and bloated. The narrow mouths and thin necks make it impossible for them to fill the huge belly, they can never be full. In addition, in some representations, any water they approach turns into liquid fire and food into excrement , etc. Sleeping is also made difficult for the hungry spirits. Demonic beings or the heating of the floor keep them from lying down and sleeping. Buddha encourages them to come closer and make their requests, and shows his willingness to help with the wish-granting gesture. He has nectar ready from which the Pretas can absorb at least a few drops.
  • The area of hell : The realm is divided into two parts : the hot and the cold hells; these two forms of hell are in turn divided into numerous sub-hells. Terrible torments await those who find themselves in these hells. They end when the unwholesome karma that led here has been exhausted. The characteristic emotion of the hell realms is hatred.

See also

literature

Gampopa : Jewelery of Liberation . 2nd Edition. Tashi-Verlag, Elmshorn 2005, ISBN 3-00-004501-5