Six lower realms
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In traditional Buddhist cosmology, the six lower realms are six out of ten spiritual realms; these six realms compose samsara.
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"Good realms"
- Note that the order of the realms may differ among different Buddhist traditions; for instance, some traditions place the asura realm second, before the human realm.
Deva realm
The deva realm is the based on bliss and pride.
The deva realm is sometimes also refered to as the gods realm, because its inhabitants are so powerful as to resemble the gods of Greek or Roman mythology. However, while the devas may be referred to as gods, they are not seen as omniscient or omnipotent creators, so they are notably distinct from 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 lives. It is seen as one of the more conducive realms to achieving 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, struggle, combat, and rationality. The asuras are said to experience a much more pleasurable life than humans, but they are plagued by envy for the devas, who they can see, just as humans routinely perceive animals.
The asura realm is also sometimes referred to as the Ashura realm, Titan realm', Jealous God realm, Demigod realm, or Anti-God realm. Asura is also sometimes translated as "demon" or "fighting demon", which can cause confusion because beings of the hell realm are also sometimes referred to as demons.
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.
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.
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.
- See also: ghost, hungry ghost
Animal realm
Animal realm (also Tiryakas realm) is based on stupidity and prejudice. Buddhists believe that this is a realm of non-human animals on Earth.
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.
- See also: animal
Hell realm
Hell realm is based on hatred.
Note that the sentient beings in the hell realm are sometimes referred to as demons, which can cause confusion, because this term is also used to refer to beings in the asura realm.
Buddhist view of hell realm differs significantly from monotheistic religions in that beings in this realm are not there permanently. Rather, they remain there until their negative karma is used up, at which point they are reborn in 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.
