Six Realms

Six Realms (Shad Gati) refers to the six possible states of rebirth in Buddhist cosmology: gods (deva), demigods (asura), humans, animals, hungry ghosts (preta), and hell beings (naraka).

Overview

The six realms represent the cycle of samsara through which beings are reborn based on their karma. The human realm is considered the most favorable for spiritual practice.

Philosophical Context

In Buddhist philosophy, the six realms are mental states as much as physical ones. Each realm is characterized by a dominant emotion: pride (gods), jealousy (asuras), desire (humans), ignorance (animals), craving (hungry ghosts), and hatred (hell).

Interpretations

Buddhist practice aims to achieve liberation from the cycle of rebirth through all six realms. The wheel of life (bhavachakra) depicts these realms surrounding the three poisons.

Verification Notes

• Six realms of Buddhist cosmology
• Include deva, asura, human, animal, preta, naraka
• Each realm characterized by a dominant afflictive emotion