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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 realm of bliss and pride. The Deva realm is sometimes also referred to as the ''gods' realm'', because its inhabitants are so powerful that, compared to humans, they resemble the Gods of Greek or Roman Mythology . However, while the Deva s may be referred to as gods, they are not immortal, omniscient, nor omnipotent, and act neither as creators nor judges at death, so they are notably distinct from the Monotheistic concept of God . When making a graphical representation of the Wheel Of Life ( example ), the Deva realm is placed at the top, with the Human realm to the left and the Asura realm to the right. Human realm The ''Human realm'' (also known as the ''Manushyas realm'') is based on Passion , Desire , and Doubt . Buddhists see this realm as the one in which Homo Sapiens live. It is described as one of the more conducive realms to achieving Enlightenment because of the possibilities that it offers. When making a graphical representation of the Wheel Of Life , the Human realm is placed at 10 o'clock, with the Deva realm to the right and the Animal realm below. Asura realm The ''Asura realm'' is based on jealousy, struggle, combat, and rationality. The Asura s are said to experience a much more pleasurable life than humans, but they are plagued by envy for the devas, whom they can see just as humans can 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 ," "fighting demon," "those without wine," or "frightened Ghost ," 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 , the Asura realm is placed at 2 o'clock, with the Deva realm to the left and the Hungry Ghost realm below. "EVIL REALMS" Hungry Ghost realm The ''Hungry Ghost realm'' (also known as the ''Pretas realm'') is based on possessiveness and desire. The Sentient beings in this realm are known as " Hungry Ghost s" because of their inability to enjoy food or drink. In Tibet an versions of the Wheel Of Life they are drawn with narrow necks to represent that condition. When making a graphical representation of Wheel Of Life , the Hungry Ghost realm is placed at 4 o'clock, with the Asura realm above and the Hell realm to the left. Animal realm The ''Animal realm'' (also known as the ''Tiryakas realm'') is based on stupidity and prejudice. Buddhists believe that this realm is home to the nonhuman Animal s on Earth , though humans can see the animals in the same way that the Asura can see the Devas. When making a graphical representation of Wheel Of Life , the Animal realm is placed at 8 o'clock, with the Human realm above and the Hell realm to the right. Hell realm The ''Hell realm'' is based on hatred. Note that the Sentient beings in the Hell realm are sometimes referred to as Demon s, which can cause confusion, because this term is also used to refer to beings in the Asura realm. The Buddhist view of the Hell realm differs significantly from that of most Monotheistic religions in that those being punished in this realm are not trapped permanently. Rather, they remain there until their negative Karma is used up, at which point they are reborn into another realm. When making a graphical representation of Wheel Of Life , the Hell realm is placed on the bottom, with the Animal realm to the left and the Hungry Ghost realm to the right. SEE ALSO EXTERNAL LINKS |