Sachintha.H November 15, 2020 Imedium.com)

Buddhism and its teachings are often misunderstood. The depth of its teachings is exemplified by the concept of the six realms, which parallels ideas in modern psychology such as Freud and the id. This concept is specifically from Mahayana Buddhism, but it helps capture important ideas from all branches of the religion. The six realms of existence represent the different ways of experiencing the world. These realms help embody the emotions and abstract experiences one may feel during these states of consciousness. Awareness of these states helps us understand our own ranges of consciousness. Keep in mind this list starts from the lowest realms and moves onto the highest.

Lowest Realm Hell (6th)

This realm is described as being overwhelmed by aggression, hatred, and anger. It can be burning hot, an environment of claustrophobic terror, or it can also be icy cold. Moments where one feels resentment towards others is an example of this state of consciousness. Where the discontent with another causes a feeling of cold detachment to arise. Anger brings about other experiences described in this realm, such as heat and intensity. The common attribute between these intense unpleasant emotions is false ego. For instance, excessive pride is used as a final defense when someone understands that reality contradicts their beliefs. Imagine someone at the mall with their friend who is privately going through a financial struggle. They see their friend looking at a new watch and comment, “you can get it if you really want it”. To which the friend angrily responds “YES. I know”. The false ego makes one feel that they’re defined by their circumstances. Anger is used as an attempt to regain control of the situation. A person’s financial situation doesn’t define them, it’s just a rough spot in their life that will eventually pass. At the moment these troubles can feel like they can last forever, and such a comment can feel like it was intended as an insult. As awareness is developed it becomes easier to manage our emotions and avoid such unpleasant states.

Hungry Ghost Realm (5th)

This realm is characterized by greed and a lack of fulfillment in life. Leading to a never-ending hunger. It is a state of searching for happiness in the external world, due to a lack of completeness in the internal. Depictions of the realm usually include ghosts with endless hunger and bloated empty stomachs. Those with drug addictions, overeaters, shopaholics, etc. all exemplify this state of consciousness. These habits are all characterized by a lack of acceptance of the present. It is often difficult to face reality, especially when individuals are dealing with traumas and unfortunate circumstances. Awareness is the first step in realizing that one may be numbing themselves from the present moment. It is only through self-advancement that one can escape this level of consciousness. Once overcome, the self becomes content with the present, who they are, and their current circumstances.

The Animal Realm (4th)

Rooted in ignorance, this realm is when one intentionally avoids truth in favor of a comfortable life. It’s important to distinguish the symbolism from what it represents. One does not need to behave exactly like an animal, it is to have an animal like consciousness. It is a mentality of avoiding discomfort and unfamiliarity which are essential for self-development. Even the average man who is caught up in an ignorant routine of daily life can be in this state. Which is a testament to how long of a journey there is to elevate one’s consciousness. Consistent mindfulness prevents a person from falling into a mindless routine. By improving on oneself everyday you prevent stagnation from occurring.

The Human Realm (3rd)

The human realm is characterized by exploration, passion, and creativity. This path can ultimately lead to fulfillment, but an incomplete sense of fulfillment due to a never-ending need for achievement. It’s considered the most fortunate to be in, as it provides the best opportunity for self-realization and enlightenment. The other states of consciousness are either too low and contain too much suffering, or are too high and contain too much pleasure.

The Realm of the Jealous Gods (2nd)

This state of consciousness is one of self-improvement that is tainted by jealousy and envy. An example of this is someone in the pursuit of power. There is merit in the pursuit of self-improvement, but the ego causes the person to see the external world as a threat. It is existence in a constant mental war. They are powerful people with success, but due to their ego, their successes is always relative to another which causes endless suffering.

Realm of Gods (1st)

A state of mind achieved during the peaks of one’s life. When one enjoys the fruits of their hard work and seems to have all the good fortune in the world. Although this brings personal happiness, it numbs a person to the outside world. A good example of this is a billionaire too caught up in themselves to notice the suffering of the outside world. This pleasure and comfort is why a human state of consciousness is viewed as more fortunate than even the Realm of Gods. Without suffering and pain, it’s easy to forget the temporary nature of life. Nothing lasts forever, and even one who reaches the Realm of Gods will fall back to lower realms. The only way to escape the cycle is through enlightenment.

Realm of Enlightenment (Ultimate Goal)

All the realms of consciousness have flaws that lead to suffering. We end up in these states of consciousness due to ignorance. It’s very difficult to be ever mindful, even for a moment a person might adopt the hungry ghost realm mentality and enjoy a piece of cake to numb their reality. The temporary happiness of these realms never lasts, but enlightenment can bring true inner peace. Enlightenment leads to complete mindfulness, which prevents an individual from regressing into bad habits. Hopefully understanding of these six realms of existence can help one be more mindful in their day to day life. I would suggest a book called “The Mind Illuminated: A Complete Meditation Guide” by Jeremy Graves, John Yates and Matthew Immergut for anyone who is interested in further pursuing meditation and enlightenment.