The Ten Worlds Of Buddhism
This article is written to empower the reader to understand the 10 worlds and how to start existing in higher worlds.
In Buddhism, there is a vital concept of the ten worlds. It is believed, that the door to each of these ten worlds is always in front of us and that we have the choice to walk through one of these at any given moment. However, many of us without realizing keep walking into the lower worlds, ignoring the higher worlds.
The reason for us moving between different worlds is often based on our emotions, reactions, awareness, consciousness, and external circumstances. Also with practice, willingness and knowledge, one can hone their mind to stay in higher and higher worlds more and more.
You may think, what is this big deal about different worlds? What do they mean really? What kind of world is this?
These worlds are basically experiential, that is, what emotions, feelings and mental state we are eperiencing. However our stay in these worlds, plays a big part in what we are able to manifest in our physical world.
As you read the basics of the different worlds below, you would be able to relate with what is this article about.
1. World of Hell: The lowest on the list is the World of Hell. In this world, one experiences suffering and anger and it may appear unending. Often, here one can only think about themselves and their own suffering. One is almost blinded by their own pain, find it very difficult to understand or to break free from it. There are external factors that create this and internal darkness which does not let an individual break free from this.
2. World of Hunger: In this world, one is constantly wanting things. More money, more food, more things, more resources. This want to have more in this world is not similar to being ambitious, but is more similar to being greedy. While there is nothing wrong with wanting more, but when nothing seems to satisfy a human, that is when it becomes worry some. This incessant hunger to have more is often based on our unawareness. . Addictions, greed for — endless materialistic things, food, money, and a clear lack of self-control are some traits experienced in this world.
3. World of Animality: In this world, one acts on instincts and impulses without reason, understanding, or logic. Here one does not think much about what impact their actions will have on others. Shouting, fighting, abusing, losing self-control, blaming others are some examples of existing in this world.
4. World of Anger: In this world, one is dominated by ego, competitiveness, arrogance, and the need to prove one’s superiority over others. Impatience, anger, inability to listen to others, pushing one’s own point and agenda, lack of respect for another human, proving others wrong and guilty are some of the traits while existing in this world. This world is also called the world of ‘asuras’.
5. World of Human Beings (or Humanity): In this world, one is in a calm state of mind or a state of tranquillity. One can reason and use logic to make decisions and take action. In this world, the person acts in harmony with other human beings and nature. It involves concern for self and others too. Here one tries to control their impulses, anger, negative behaviours with reason, and then act properly. However, it being a passive state of life, one can easily shift from Humanity into the lower worlds when confronted with negative conditions.
6. World of Rapture: This is an interesting world and humans love existing here. The world of the rapture is experienced when someone gets something they want. It can be — achieving a goal, buying something new, eating good food, getting an award or a gift, or something as insignificant as watching TV. However, this state is temporary and easily influenced when external circumstances change.
7. World of Learning: In this world, one is open-minded and has a willingness to learn and improve through the ideas, knowledge, and experiences of others. Here one is seeking and understands that knowledge and learning will take one to a higher dimension of existence. The world of learning is often the beginning of one’s inner transformation. Imagine someone digging knowledge in books, via people or other different sources. Imagine someone committed to higher awareness and personal development is probably existing in the world of learning.
8. World of Realisation: This is the most transformative world where an individual realizes the real meaning of human existence and the understanding of what is true and what is not. Here the person is not only seeking knowledge but also the truth for a purpose higher than self-fulfilment and advancement.
9. World of Bodhisatva: Next comes the world of Bodhisattvas. The word Bodhisattva is made of two words bodhi(enlighten) and sattva (being) i.e. Bodhisattva is an enlightened being. Humans existing here are in a state of compassion for one and all. Here one is thinking not only about oneself but also about others. The people entering this world are called the Bodhisattvas of the earth and they are actively and happily working towards alleviating the pain of those around them and making them happier. One moment of total compassion for another being can send us into this world.
10. World of Buddhahood: Buddhahood is the highest of the Ten Worlds, and is indicated by a condition of pure and invincible happiness which is not dependent on external circumstances. Here the inner self has learned to stay undefeated no matter what the circumstances. One experiences absolute happiness and freedom in this world. In this world, one has access to total wisdom, infinite compassion, a very strong life force, and constant courage. In this world humans constantly create an atmosphere of happiness and wellbeing around them and live in sync with other human beings.
As per the Lotus Sutra, each world contains all ten within it. To simplify, it means any human living in any of these worlds has the power to access another world in the very same moment.
If we are aware of the world we are existing in, we carry the power within us to choose better worlds with our thoughts and actions. As humans, we move into different worlds of existence, now and then, but with higher awareness and knowledge we can increase our stay in higher worlds.
Resources:
Book: Buddha in Daily Life by Richard Causton
www.nichirenlibrary.org
http://www.sginz.org
