Realms of existence

• Desire, form and formless realms
• Four levels of meditative stabilization and four deeper states of single-pointed concetration
• Realms are not projections of mind, rebirth there is not eternal, not reward or punishment
• Division into six classes
• Gods or devas, anti-gods or asuras, human beings, animals, hungry ghosts and hell beings
• Division in terms thirty-three classes of beings
• Four formless, eighteen form, six devas, one asura
• Pure abodes and who are reborn in those realms
• Description of certain types of beings
• Causes for rebirth in different realms and certain physical and mental characteristics of beings

Samsara, Nirvana, and Buddha Nature 13: Realms of Existence (download)

Contemplation points

1. When considering all the different realms and classes of existence, what makes the human realm ideal for Dharma practice?
2. Consider: none of the realms are rewards or punishments. They are all simply results of our actions, our karma. It’s just cause and effect.
3. Consider one or two points you heard that really hit home, came alive for you, or clarified some confusion you have had in regards to one or more of the 4 truths- duhkha, origin, cessation, paths. In what way will these points help motivate you and bring more focus to your practice?
4. How might a deeper understanding of these points provide a larger, more realistic perspective for your daily life (relationships, situations etc.)? How will they support your development of compassion, wisdom, and bodhicitta?