ADS2 - Cosmic Intelligence and Reality of the UniversePardeep Sehgal
All that is seen has an origin and there must therefore be an antecedent cause for it.
If a thing can appear without a cause there is no relation between cause and effect, and there can be no harmony in the world. A potter's work may lead to a weaver's products, and vice versa, which is absurd. Each occurrence must have a cause for it; that is the rule.
The universe must have a Creator, and He must be an intelligent principle, but He cannot be of any known type because of the vastness of the creation. His power is past understanding and is dealt with in the Scriptures, whose authority is incontrovertible.
This whole universe consisting of the mobile and the immobile, arises from, abides in, and resolves into Him. This is the final and well-known conclusion of the Scriptures; and the Scriptures never err. The guide by which one can apprehend the metaphysical and transcendental matters is Scripture alone.
The document discusses how the human light body is a garment for the spirit. It explains that thoughts travel from the mental body through the third eye and crown chakra, controlling DNA and creating manifestations. These energy portals aid spiritual growth by helping humans awaken from illusions. The soul gradually detaches from those who do not acknowledge their inner spirit. Fragmented souls from other creations seek to incarnate and transform their creations into light. The 3D world program is coming to an end and souls must bring home experiences. Planet Earth allowed spiritual exploration in physical form. Souls choose experiences and lifetimes to evolve as co-creators with all of existence.
Man has a complex multi-faceted nature that can be understood through various models. He is described as having a spiritual essence or higher self (Atma) and a soul (Buddhi) that together form the immortal individuality. Man also has a mind (Manas) that connects him to desires (Kama), vital life force (Prana), an astral body (Linga-Sharira), and a physical form (Sthula-Sharira). Understanding these different aspects of human nature helps explain how man evolves spiritually through reincarnation and the relationship between his higher and lower selves.
The document discusses Hindu and Theosophical concepts including:
1) The three creative channels and three outpourings that create the seven planes of existence from the unmanifest to the physical.
2) The seven kingdoms of life from the atmic to the human, and how souls evolve through these kingdoms.
3) The constitution of the human being including the gross physical, etheric, astral, mental, causal, and monadic levels.
4) How souls are individualized and reincarnate, being shaped by karma from past lives.
The document outlines a theory of emanationism that describes levels of reality descending from the absolute Godhead. It presents several principles to explain this, including that only God has independent reality, while all else depends on God. Lower levels of reality are like attributes or aspects of God. The theory proposes a hierarchical structure of hypostases or levels of being descending from God in a linear relationship of cause and effect.
This document discusses how astrology works through occult knowledge. It explains that astrological forces originate from seven solar systems and are transmitted through various celestial bodies like stars, constellations, and planets, before reaching humans. These forces stimulate the endocrine glands and influence human psychology and behavior. The document provides a diagram tracing the journey of one astrological ray from its source through various celestial bodies until it reaches a human. It also defines some key occult concepts like chakras, thoughtforms, and the relationship between celestial bodies.
The Hyper’Classical Artist expresses the sacred. He causes others to participate in manifest reality as self-transcendent ecstasy. Hyper’Classical art invites self-transcendence enabling the viewer to transcend themselves.
When the culture and politics are harmonious and in sacred association true art appears. Where the sacred is absent, then the best art can do is meditate on the beautiful and bring people to feel that. But there is nothing beautiful without love.
True art is a sacred performance, an act of love. And the highest sacred performance can only occur in a sacred setting with a sacred culture and sacred society, transcending egoity.
ADS2 - Cosmic Intelligence and Reality of the UniversePardeep Sehgal
All that is seen has an origin and there must therefore be an antecedent cause for it.
If a thing can appear without a cause there is no relation between cause and effect, and there can be no harmony in the world. A potter's work may lead to a weaver's products, and vice versa, which is absurd. Each occurrence must have a cause for it; that is the rule.
The universe must have a Creator, and He must be an intelligent principle, but He cannot be of any known type because of the vastness of the creation. His power is past understanding and is dealt with in the Scriptures, whose authority is incontrovertible.
This whole universe consisting of the mobile and the immobile, arises from, abides in, and resolves into Him. This is the final and well-known conclusion of the Scriptures; and the Scriptures never err. The guide by which one can apprehend the metaphysical and transcendental matters is Scripture alone.
The document discusses how the human light body is a garment for the spirit. It explains that thoughts travel from the mental body through the third eye and crown chakra, controlling DNA and creating manifestations. These energy portals aid spiritual growth by helping humans awaken from illusions. The soul gradually detaches from those who do not acknowledge their inner spirit. Fragmented souls from other creations seek to incarnate and transform their creations into light. The 3D world program is coming to an end and souls must bring home experiences. Planet Earth allowed spiritual exploration in physical form. Souls choose experiences and lifetimes to evolve as co-creators with all of existence.
Man has a complex multi-faceted nature that can be understood through various models. He is described as having a spiritual essence or higher self (Atma) and a soul (Buddhi) that together form the immortal individuality. Man also has a mind (Manas) that connects him to desires (Kama), vital life force (Prana), an astral body (Linga-Sharira), and a physical form (Sthula-Sharira). Understanding these different aspects of human nature helps explain how man evolves spiritually through reincarnation and the relationship between his higher and lower selves.
The document discusses Hindu and Theosophical concepts including:
1) The three creative channels and three outpourings that create the seven planes of existence from the unmanifest to the physical.
2) The seven kingdoms of life from the atmic to the human, and how souls evolve through these kingdoms.
3) The constitution of the human being including the gross physical, etheric, astral, mental, causal, and monadic levels.
4) How souls are individualized and reincarnate, being shaped by karma from past lives.
The document outlines a theory of emanationism that describes levels of reality descending from the absolute Godhead. It presents several principles to explain this, including that only God has independent reality, while all else depends on God. Lower levels of reality are like attributes or aspects of God. The theory proposes a hierarchical structure of hypostases or levels of being descending from God in a linear relationship of cause and effect.
This document discusses how astrology works through occult knowledge. It explains that astrological forces originate from seven solar systems and are transmitted through various celestial bodies like stars, constellations, and planets, before reaching humans. These forces stimulate the endocrine glands and influence human psychology and behavior. The document provides a diagram tracing the journey of one astrological ray from its source through various celestial bodies until it reaches a human. It also defines some key occult concepts like chakras, thoughtforms, and the relationship between celestial bodies.
The Hyper’Classical Artist expresses the sacred. He causes others to participate in manifest reality as self-transcendent ecstasy. Hyper’Classical art invites self-transcendence enabling the viewer to transcend themselves.
When the culture and politics are harmonious and in sacred association true art appears. Where the sacred is absent, then the best art can do is meditate on the beautiful and bring people to feel that. But there is nothing beautiful without love.
True art is a sacred performance, an act of love. And the highest sacred performance can only occur in a sacred setting with a sacred culture and sacred society, transcending egoity.
1. The document discusses the concepts of spirit, soul, and body, and whether the soul is immortal.
2. It explores perspectives from Stoicism, Christianity, spiritualism, theosophy, and Sri Aurobindo on the relationship between these concepts and the possibility of immortality or rebirth of the soul.
3. Key points of debate include whether the soul can be equated with the ego or personality, or if it is a deeper dimension beyond impermanence and connected to the eternal spirit.
This document contains several quotes discussing the relationship between geometry, consciousness, space, and the divine. Some key ideas discussed are:
- Geometry arises from primordial energies and helps bring about recollection of eternal soul ideas.
- Our sense organs respond to the geometric properties of stimuli rather than just their chemical properties.
- Geometry allows the imagination to access eternal soul ideas and brings about divine recollection.
- Space and consciousness are identical infinite entities, and space can be seen as the body of the divine cosmic Christ.
Swami #Vivekananda Bengali: , Shāmi Bibekānondo; 12 January 1863 – 4 July 1902), born #Narendranath Datta, was an Indian Hindu monk, a chief disciple of the 19th-century Indian mystic Ramakrishna. He was a key figure in the introduction of the Indian philosophies of# Vedanta and #Yoga to the Western world and is credited with raising #interfaith awareness, bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion during the late 19th century. He was a major force in the revival of Hinduism in India, and contributed to the concept of nationalism in colonial India. Vivekananda founded the #Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission. He is perhaps best known for his speech which began, "Sisters and brothers of America ...," in which he introduced Hinduism at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago in 1893.
Born into an aristocratic Bengali family of Calcutta, Vivekananda was inclined towards spirituality. He was influenced by his Guru, Ramakrishna Deva, from whom he learnt that all living beings were an embodiment of the divine self; therefore, service to God could be rendered by service to mankind. After Ramakrishna's death, Vivekananda toured the Indian subcontinent extensively and acquired first-hand knowledge of the conditions prevailing in British India. He later traveled to the United States, representing India at the 1893 Parliament of the World Religions. Vivekananda conducted hundreds of public and private lectures and classes, disseminating tenets of Hindu philosophy in the United States, England and Europe. In India, Vivekananda is regarded as a patriotic saint and his birthday is celebrated there as National Youth Day.
This document discusses zero point energy and its relationship to quantum physics, spirituality, and the manifestation of matter through vibrational frequencies. It suggests that zero point energy is the lowest possible energy state of a quantum system, and remains even at absolute zero temperature. Meditation is presented as a way to access this energy and direct it with intention. Sacred geometry patterns in nature are explained as resulting from the cymatic waveforms created by vibrational frequencies organizing tetrahedron molecules.
The document discusses the nature of time and proposes a new understanding based on a law of time. It argues that everything is governed by the frequency of synchronization, defined mathematically as a 13:20 ratio. It proposes that time is vertical while space is horizontal, and that higher states of consciousness allow perception of a "synchronic order" beyond normal senses. The document outlines this theory of time and proposes implementing a new 13-month calendar aligned with this understanding, arguing this could help unify humanity and establish a new era of peace.
This document provides an overview of the esoteric concept that astrology depicts the relationship between humanity's consciousness and the deva (angelic) hierarchy that constitutes the form of our solar system. It describes the deva lords that rule over the 12 signs of the zodiac and lesser devas that fill the houses. The document suggests the devas embody the planes and that interaction between consciousness and the devas produces all manifestation in the universe.
This document provides an overview of a book that aims to reveal the mystery of "the Woman clothed with the Sun" and unveil the secrets of the feminine principle. It discusses woman as the highest expression of the cosmic creative principle, referred to as the Divine Mother or Holy Spirit. As the creator of all life, she contains all created things within her body. The document examines her role in creation and evolution of consciousness according to various spiritual and religious texts. It explores how she set evolution in motion through cycles of involution and evolution in order to liberate consciousness from dense matter over time.
Ses 1 can a scientist believe in god final 9Reddy Katkam
Vedic Oasis for Inspiration, Culture and Education is a cultural and educational group that educates college youth, corporates and children in principle-centered living and leadership through activities like drama, group discussions, music, and seminars. It has 120 faculty members and offers several systematic seminars and courses on topics like time management, personality development, and public speaking. It sends mentors to top institutes in India and overseas and has over 20 branches connected to leading educational institutes and companies.
Holo'Space Art-Science and Philosophy
For a revolutionary manifesto I have created on Space as Art, canons of space, and a critique of contemporary art and much more you can download this pdf of a 400 slide powerpoint basis for video movie being created.
Yin and yang are complementary opposing forces that interact to form a whole, as depicted in the Taijitu symbol. They represent natural dualities like male/female, light/dark, etc. When one reaches its peak it transforms into the other, in a continuous cycle. Mind and body arise from vibrational frequencies manas projects onto consciousness - slower frequencies form the body and senses, faster form the mind. Even atoms have individualized minds. At death, prevailing consciousness departs first in a final energy burst, then subtle consciousness leaves and fragments, taking on new forms in the cycle of samsara.
This document provides a summary of ancient Maya teachings about the connection between human consciousness and cosmic cycles. It discusses how pyramids were designed to transmit energies from the sun and earth. The pyramids contained gold and silver nanoparticles that illuminated initiates' DNA and increased longevity. Ancient sites were precisely placed within global resonance patterns. The Maya understood human will as governed by planetary rhythms and had advanced knowledge of astrological and mathematical cycles. They saw consciousness as linked to the "coatl" serpent energy within DNA that could be developed through sacrifice and meditation. Prophecies foretold atmospheric plasma displays and a red sky igniting the pyramids.
The document discusses the concept of universal beauty and seeing beauty in unlikely places. It begins by analyzing a quote about two men seeing either stars or mud from the same prison bars. This leads to a discussion of how humans perceive and interpret the world. We attach positive or negative values to things based on our experiences, but these values are not inherent in the objects themselves. The document then examines the idea that there may be a form of beauty that all humans can perceive beyond mere appearance. It explores how humans experience the world through our senses and thought processes, and how this shapes our perceptions and second reality constructed through culture and society.
The document discusses the makeup of a human being according to spiritual teachings. It states that a man is made up of a divine spirit/spark, soul, and physical, astral, and mental bodies. Within the mental body develops the small self or ego, which is important for evolution though must eventually be overcome. Other parts of a man include the ethereal body and akashic/etheric body. A man has virtues as well as vices. Key terms are defined, such as self, sense of separation, individuality, and conscience. The spirit is the eternal part of a man, while the conscience accumulates through incarnations to form the ego. After death, a man is judged based on good deeds
Put your Hands on the Plough: And Never Look BackPeter Anyebe
Given a paradigm shift in which there are four, 4 realms of existence that include spirit, soul, mind, and matter rather than the current one, 1 realm that includes only matter; the possibility of causal openness and closure become apparent.
Thus energy exists in all four, 4 realms, but in different forms, to describe an open system that allows the free movement of energy between the realms.
In the spirit it is an idea, in the mind it is objectivity, in matter it is procedure, and in the soul, power.
But the system is also closed, to the extent that it obeys reciprocity, continuity, and conservation, for maturity.
THE LONG SOUGHT AFTER DREAM MAKER: Creator of the Time/Space ContinuumWilliam John Meegan
Jungian school of Analytical Psychology has been, since its inception, trying to conceptualize why dream are a product of the unconscious mind. There an artistic matrix, which I have named the UNIVERSAL MATHEMATICAL MATRIX, which when discussing dreams I call the DREAM-MAKER. I will discuss this image extensively below. I think about the dream I think of it as the product of the whole psyche: i.e. ego-consciousness and the unconscious mind not just the unconscious mind; for the reason that, ego-consciousness is needed in the process to discriminate what the unconscious mind is conveying to ego-consciousness. When a person is sleeping ego-consciousness is a captive audience. It is not allow too interact with the unconscious mind. The unconscious mind during sleep has total domination over the ego. Dreams are what the unconscious mind conveys, via chaos, to ego-consciousness about itself. Dreams are all about symbolism and the individual has to learn how to read his dreams via his understanding of symbolism. Within mere seconds of awakening from sleep ego-consciousness has the knee-jerk reaction of putting the chaos of the phantasmagoria of the unconscious mind into concretize form, which is called the DREAM; therefore, it is both halves of the psyche: i.e. ego-consciousness and the unconscious mind that produces the dream. During the experience of the dream itself, while sleeping, ego-consciousness has absolutely no idea of what is being conveyed to it. Furthermore, ego-consciousness’ knee-jerk reaction to concretize the phantasmagoria of its experience of the unconscious mind is merely the bare bones of the dream. It is the individual’s interpretation and amplification of the dream, which is collectively called the dream.
The school of Analytical Psychology developed by CG JUNG cannot be blamed for not having as yet found the elusive DREAM MAKER; though, I had anticipated that Jungian psychoanalysts would have by now honed in on my researches and realized that the UNIVERSAL MATHEMATICAL MATRIX (10 x 10 matrix) is the sleeping psyche's DREAM MAKER. This paper is not going to be long; for the reason that, my research papers that explain the development and use of this matrix in ancient literature, artworks and monuments, freely for all to read online, are available to all that want access to them.
Purva Mimamsa is an orthodox Hindu school of philosophy concerned with interpreting Vedic scriptures. It aims to ascertain the nature of dharma or ethics according to the Vedas. It accepts three pramanas or means of valid knowledge: perception, inference, and testimony of the Vedas. It believes in an eternal, omnipresent self that is distinct from the body and mind. It propounds a pluralistic theory of many individual souls. Through properly observing mandatory and occasional Vedic rituals while avoiding optional rituals, one can become liberated from rebirth through the exhaustion of karma.
The document summarizes the spiritual journey of the soul after death. It discusses that when the physical body dies, the soul sheds that form and exists intact in the astral world. In the astral world, the soul exists in a perfect astral body and begins a process of evaluating its past life experiences to determine how to continue its spiritual growth. The astral world allows the soul to transition slowly out of earthly attachments and exist free from the constraints of physical laws like time and space.
The document discusses theories about the Absolute or ultimate reality from various philosophical and religious perspectives. It describes the Absolute as having two aspects: 1) the unmanifest, transcendent aspect which is pure being, consciousness, and bliss, and 2) the power of self-manifestation which causes creation of finite existence. Creation occurs through the Absolute's own innate joy and spontaneity (lila) to experience individualization while remaining unchanged. Traditions explain creation as the Absolute's free will or delight in self-expression through myriad forms.
This document discusses the human mind and consciousness. It argues that the human mind is variable and can change, which would change our entire perception of the universe. It says that mystical experiences point to a divine splendor that exists in all humans, regardless of external factors like wealth or status. Modern physics no longer contradicts mystical experiences and supports the idea that consciousness may be more fundamental than matter. The brain must play a role in higher states of consciousness but this mystery remains unsolved. A psychological revolution is needed to help humanity realize its spiritual potential.
This document discusses ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic brew from South America containing DMT. It describes the preparation of ayahuasca from plants like Banisteriopsis Caapi and the effects people experience, including purging, visual hallucinations, hearing telepathic voices, and out-of-body experiences. The document also mentions that ayahuasca rituals are used in shamanic practices and that the artist Robert Venosa was inspired by his ayahuasca experiences to paint otherworldly visions.
Buddhism for you lesson 09-more lives than oneUncle Bugs
The document discusses Buddhist concepts of rebirth and reincarnation. It explains that rebirth is accepted in many Eastern religions and was also initially accepted by early Christians. It describes how Buddhists believe beings can be reborn into different realms, including 31 planes of existence like heavens, hells, and the human realm, based on their karma from past lives. The document also discusses the differences between the Buddhist concept of rebirth, which does not involve a permanent soul, versus other concepts of reincarnation that believe in an eternal soul.
Lake of lotus (42) the essence of teachings-everything comes from the mind(14...DudjomBuddhistAssociation
This document discusses the concept of "everything comes from the mind" in Buddhism. It provides an excerpt from the 14th chapter of a text on this topic by Vajra Master Pema Lhadren. The excerpt discusses the importance of "mental strength" in counteracting the forces of karma and helping achieve liberation. It also explains how scientists view the "Law of Cause and Effect" as involving mutual interactions between observation and the thing observed, linking this to Buddhist teachings on the power of the mind.
1. The document discusses the concepts of spirit, soul, and body, and whether the soul is immortal.
2. It explores perspectives from Stoicism, Christianity, spiritualism, theosophy, and Sri Aurobindo on the relationship between these concepts and the possibility of immortality or rebirth of the soul.
3. Key points of debate include whether the soul can be equated with the ego or personality, or if it is a deeper dimension beyond impermanence and connected to the eternal spirit.
This document contains several quotes discussing the relationship between geometry, consciousness, space, and the divine. Some key ideas discussed are:
- Geometry arises from primordial energies and helps bring about recollection of eternal soul ideas.
- Our sense organs respond to the geometric properties of stimuli rather than just their chemical properties.
- Geometry allows the imagination to access eternal soul ideas and brings about divine recollection.
- Space and consciousness are identical infinite entities, and space can be seen as the body of the divine cosmic Christ.
Swami #Vivekananda Bengali: , Shāmi Bibekānondo; 12 January 1863 – 4 July 1902), born #Narendranath Datta, was an Indian Hindu monk, a chief disciple of the 19th-century Indian mystic Ramakrishna. He was a key figure in the introduction of the Indian philosophies of# Vedanta and #Yoga to the Western world and is credited with raising #interfaith awareness, bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion during the late 19th century. He was a major force in the revival of Hinduism in India, and contributed to the concept of nationalism in colonial India. Vivekananda founded the #Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission. He is perhaps best known for his speech which began, "Sisters and brothers of America ...," in which he introduced Hinduism at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago in 1893.
Born into an aristocratic Bengali family of Calcutta, Vivekananda was inclined towards spirituality. He was influenced by his Guru, Ramakrishna Deva, from whom he learnt that all living beings were an embodiment of the divine self; therefore, service to God could be rendered by service to mankind. After Ramakrishna's death, Vivekananda toured the Indian subcontinent extensively and acquired first-hand knowledge of the conditions prevailing in British India. He later traveled to the United States, representing India at the 1893 Parliament of the World Religions. Vivekananda conducted hundreds of public and private lectures and classes, disseminating tenets of Hindu philosophy in the United States, England and Europe. In India, Vivekananda is regarded as a patriotic saint and his birthday is celebrated there as National Youth Day.
This document discusses zero point energy and its relationship to quantum physics, spirituality, and the manifestation of matter through vibrational frequencies. It suggests that zero point energy is the lowest possible energy state of a quantum system, and remains even at absolute zero temperature. Meditation is presented as a way to access this energy and direct it with intention. Sacred geometry patterns in nature are explained as resulting from the cymatic waveforms created by vibrational frequencies organizing tetrahedron molecules.
The document discusses the nature of time and proposes a new understanding based on a law of time. It argues that everything is governed by the frequency of synchronization, defined mathematically as a 13:20 ratio. It proposes that time is vertical while space is horizontal, and that higher states of consciousness allow perception of a "synchronic order" beyond normal senses. The document outlines this theory of time and proposes implementing a new 13-month calendar aligned with this understanding, arguing this could help unify humanity and establish a new era of peace.
This document provides an overview of the esoteric concept that astrology depicts the relationship between humanity's consciousness and the deva (angelic) hierarchy that constitutes the form of our solar system. It describes the deva lords that rule over the 12 signs of the zodiac and lesser devas that fill the houses. The document suggests the devas embody the planes and that interaction between consciousness and the devas produces all manifestation in the universe.
This document provides an overview of a book that aims to reveal the mystery of "the Woman clothed with the Sun" and unveil the secrets of the feminine principle. It discusses woman as the highest expression of the cosmic creative principle, referred to as the Divine Mother or Holy Spirit. As the creator of all life, she contains all created things within her body. The document examines her role in creation and evolution of consciousness according to various spiritual and religious texts. It explores how she set evolution in motion through cycles of involution and evolution in order to liberate consciousness from dense matter over time.
Ses 1 can a scientist believe in god final 9Reddy Katkam
Vedic Oasis for Inspiration, Culture and Education is a cultural and educational group that educates college youth, corporates and children in principle-centered living and leadership through activities like drama, group discussions, music, and seminars. It has 120 faculty members and offers several systematic seminars and courses on topics like time management, personality development, and public speaking. It sends mentors to top institutes in India and overseas and has over 20 branches connected to leading educational institutes and companies.
Holo'Space Art-Science and Philosophy
For a revolutionary manifesto I have created on Space as Art, canons of space, and a critique of contemporary art and much more you can download this pdf of a 400 slide powerpoint basis for video movie being created.
Yin and yang are complementary opposing forces that interact to form a whole, as depicted in the Taijitu symbol. They represent natural dualities like male/female, light/dark, etc. When one reaches its peak it transforms into the other, in a continuous cycle. Mind and body arise from vibrational frequencies manas projects onto consciousness - slower frequencies form the body and senses, faster form the mind. Even atoms have individualized minds. At death, prevailing consciousness departs first in a final energy burst, then subtle consciousness leaves and fragments, taking on new forms in the cycle of samsara.
This document provides a summary of ancient Maya teachings about the connection between human consciousness and cosmic cycles. It discusses how pyramids were designed to transmit energies from the sun and earth. The pyramids contained gold and silver nanoparticles that illuminated initiates' DNA and increased longevity. Ancient sites were precisely placed within global resonance patterns. The Maya understood human will as governed by planetary rhythms and had advanced knowledge of astrological and mathematical cycles. They saw consciousness as linked to the "coatl" serpent energy within DNA that could be developed through sacrifice and meditation. Prophecies foretold atmospheric plasma displays and a red sky igniting the pyramids.
The document discusses the concept of universal beauty and seeing beauty in unlikely places. It begins by analyzing a quote about two men seeing either stars or mud from the same prison bars. This leads to a discussion of how humans perceive and interpret the world. We attach positive or negative values to things based on our experiences, but these values are not inherent in the objects themselves. The document then examines the idea that there may be a form of beauty that all humans can perceive beyond mere appearance. It explores how humans experience the world through our senses and thought processes, and how this shapes our perceptions and second reality constructed through culture and society.
The document discusses the makeup of a human being according to spiritual teachings. It states that a man is made up of a divine spirit/spark, soul, and physical, astral, and mental bodies. Within the mental body develops the small self or ego, which is important for evolution though must eventually be overcome. Other parts of a man include the ethereal body and akashic/etheric body. A man has virtues as well as vices. Key terms are defined, such as self, sense of separation, individuality, and conscience. The spirit is the eternal part of a man, while the conscience accumulates through incarnations to form the ego. After death, a man is judged based on good deeds
Put your Hands on the Plough: And Never Look BackPeter Anyebe
Given a paradigm shift in which there are four, 4 realms of existence that include spirit, soul, mind, and matter rather than the current one, 1 realm that includes only matter; the possibility of causal openness and closure become apparent.
Thus energy exists in all four, 4 realms, but in different forms, to describe an open system that allows the free movement of energy between the realms.
In the spirit it is an idea, in the mind it is objectivity, in matter it is procedure, and in the soul, power.
But the system is also closed, to the extent that it obeys reciprocity, continuity, and conservation, for maturity.
THE LONG SOUGHT AFTER DREAM MAKER: Creator of the Time/Space ContinuumWilliam John Meegan
Jungian school of Analytical Psychology has been, since its inception, trying to conceptualize why dream are a product of the unconscious mind. There an artistic matrix, which I have named the UNIVERSAL MATHEMATICAL MATRIX, which when discussing dreams I call the DREAM-MAKER. I will discuss this image extensively below. I think about the dream I think of it as the product of the whole psyche: i.e. ego-consciousness and the unconscious mind not just the unconscious mind; for the reason that, ego-consciousness is needed in the process to discriminate what the unconscious mind is conveying to ego-consciousness. When a person is sleeping ego-consciousness is a captive audience. It is not allow too interact with the unconscious mind. The unconscious mind during sleep has total domination over the ego. Dreams are what the unconscious mind conveys, via chaos, to ego-consciousness about itself. Dreams are all about symbolism and the individual has to learn how to read his dreams via his understanding of symbolism. Within mere seconds of awakening from sleep ego-consciousness has the knee-jerk reaction of putting the chaos of the phantasmagoria of the unconscious mind into concretize form, which is called the DREAM; therefore, it is both halves of the psyche: i.e. ego-consciousness and the unconscious mind that produces the dream. During the experience of the dream itself, while sleeping, ego-consciousness has absolutely no idea of what is being conveyed to it. Furthermore, ego-consciousness’ knee-jerk reaction to concretize the phantasmagoria of its experience of the unconscious mind is merely the bare bones of the dream. It is the individual’s interpretation and amplification of the dream, which is collectively called the dream.
The school of Analytical Psychology developed by CG JUNG cannot be blamed for not having as yet found the elusive DREAM MAKER; though, I had anticipated that Jungian psychoanalysts would have by now honed in on my researches and realized that the UNIVERSAL MATHEMATICAL MATRIX (10 x 10 matrix) is the sleeping psyche's DREAM MAKER. This paper is not going to be long; for the reason that, my research papers that explain the development and use of this matrix in ancient literature, artworks and monuments, freely for all to read online, are available to all that want access to them.
Purva Mimamsa is an orthodox Hindu school of philosophy concerned with interpreting Vedic scriptures. It aims to ascertain the nature of dharma or ethics according to the Vedas. It accepts three pramanas or means of valid knowledge: perception, inference, and testimony of the Vedas. It believes in an eternal, omnipresent self that is distinct from the body and mind. It propounds a pluralistic theory of many individual souls. Through properly observing mandatory and occasional Vedic rituals while avoiding optional rituals, one can become liberated from rebirth through the exhaustion of karma.
The document summarizes the spiritual journey of the soul after death. It discusses that when the physical body dies, the soul sheds that form and exists intact in the astral world. In the astral world, the soul exists in a perfect astral body and begins a process of evaluating its past life experiences to determine how to continue its spiritual growth. The astral world allows the soul to transition slowly out of earthly attachments and exist free from the constraints of physical laws like time and space.
The document discusses theories about the Absolute or ultimate reality from various philosophical and religious perspectives. It describes the Absolute as having two aspects: 1) the unmanifest, transcendent aspect which is pure being, consciousness, and bliss, and 2) the power of self-manifestation which causes creation of finite existence. Creation occurs through the Absolute's own innate joy and spontaneity (lila) to experience individualization while remaining unchanged. Traditions explain creation as the Absolute's free will or delight in self-expression through myriad forms.
This document discusses the human mind and consciousness. It argues that the human mind is variable and can change, which would change our entire perception of the universe. It says that mystical experiences point to a divine splendor that exists in all humans, regardless of external factors like wealth or status. Modern physics no longer contradicts mystical experiences and supports the idea that consciousness may be more fundamental than matter. The brain must play a role in higher states of consciousness but this mystery remains unsolved. A psychological revolution is needed to help humanity realize its spiritual potential.
This document discusses ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic brew from South America containing DMT. It describes the preparation of ayahuasca from plants like Banisteriopsis Caapi and the effects people experience, including purging, visual hallucinations, hearing telepathic voices, and out-of-body experiences. The document also mentions that ayahuasca rituals are used in shamanic practices and that the artist Robert Venosa was inspired by his ayahuasca experiences to paint otherworldly visions.
Buddhism for you lesson 09-more lives than oneUncle Bugs
The document discusses Buddhist concepts of rebirth and reincarnation. It explains that rebirth is accepted in many Eastern religions and was also initially accepted by early Christians. It describes how Buddhists believe beings can be reborn into different realms, including 31 planes of existence like heavens, hells, and the human realm, based on their karma from past lives. The document also discusses the differences between the Buddhist concept of rebirth, which does not involve a permanent soul, versus other concepts of reincarnation that believe in an eternal soul.
Lake of lotus (42) the essence of teachings-everything comes from the mind(14...DudjomBuddhistAssociation
This document discusses the concept of "everything comes from the mind" in Buddhism. It provides an excerpt from the 14th chapter of a text on this topic by Vajra Master Pema Lhadren. The excerpt discusses the importance of "mental strength" in counteracting the forces of karma and helping achieve liberation. It also explains how scientists view the "Law of Cause and Effect" as involving mutual interactions between observation and the thing observed, linking this to Buddhist teachings on the power of the mind.
This document summarizes a discussion between three Buddhist scholars on the topic of karma - what it is, how it works, and its role in Buddhism. Some key points:
- Karma is the principle of cause and effect where intentional actions have consequences. It is carried from moment to moment and lifetime to lifetime by the continuum of consciousness.
- When rebirth occurs, the stream of consciousness transfers all accumulated karma, experiences, and latent tendencies to a new existence. Ignorance and craving perpetuate rebirth.
- While Westerners new to Buddhism may be skeptical of karma and rebirth, teachers recommend focusing first on teachings that can be verified through experience, like ethics and meditation, to build trust before
The document discusses concepts from Leo Zagami's books, including egregores (collective group minds) and occult chains. It explains that secret societies exist on both the material and astral planes, and are influenced by egregores that can persist after the societies cease to exist. Egregores are formed from groups of people united in a common goal or idea and can become powerful influences. The document also discusses fighting negative egregores and the idea of creating a positive global egregore.
Death and the post-mortem path of the Soul…
“What happens after material life?”
An agonizing question, that people usually bury deeply within themselves because they simply do not know or are afraid of the answer. And restlessness for the great mystery of the post-mortem adventure is hiding inside every human being!
CAN YOU STAND THE TRUTH?
THE CHRONICLE OF MAN’S IMPRISONMENT
LAST CALL!
A book with cosmological content in the form of a study, arraying (in its sum of 635 bibliographic citations which accompany its main corpus) information and excerpts from scientific research, ancient and sacred texts from every mythology, religion, philosophical viewpoints, the Christian Apocryphal Gospels, as well as metaphysical views, so as to compose the complete image of the puzzle of man’s role in the world. Furthermore, the contemporary problems of humanity and the entire planet are dealt with and fully explained.
And to close the circle of knowledge offered, many controversial issues are tackled, without reservations or in fear they might not be “convenient” to the readers…
If you are interested in learning more you can follow this link and take a look at the book of truth: https://bit.ly/3EIr6Vx
The document discusses various experiences that may occur near death or after death, based on accounts of people who have been clinically dead and revived. These include: reliving one's life in flashes as memories play out; seeing a bright light that pulls one towards it accompanied by feelings of love and peace; having an out of body experience where one can see their lifeless body from above; seeing deceased relatives greeting each other; feeling very calm and at peace; seeing angels providing care and support; and undergoing a life review process.
This is one of the most famous & brilliant chapters of the Geeta which gives the student a very direct explanation for, & almost a personal experience of the Self in him, free from his material equipment & their misinterpretations, the world-of-objects. An exhaustive exposition on how to meditate directly upon the Imperishable Formless Spirit is given here. Spirit functioning through matter-envelopments is the living organism. To undress to get rid off matter, we must have a precise knowledge of all that constitutes matter in us. This discrimination between the inert matter-equipment & the vibrant spark-of-Life, the Spirit, is presented in this chapter.
In Buddhism, kamma refers to volitional actions and their results (vipaka). Kamma is generated by the prevailing conscious mind and results in discernible reactions through the subtle conscious mind. The prevailing mind is responsible for decision making and actions, while the subtle mind attracts similar vibrational frequencies based on those actions. As humans have both prevailing and subtle conscious minds, the human realm is where new kamma is often initiated through choice and resolution of past kamma. It is important for humans to live wholesome lives guided by wisdom rather than ignorance, in order to avoid regret and attain opportunities to learn.
There are three aspects of the Absolute Truth or God according to Vedanta philosophy:
1) Brahman - the impersonal effulgence of God beyond cause and effect.
2) Paramatma - the localized aspect of God that inspires and guides all living beings.
3) Bhagavan - the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is the object of love and devotion.
These three aspects together constitute the complete Absolute Truth or ultimate reality.
The document discusses the concepts of reincarnation and karma in Hinduism. It explains that Hindu philosophy views the human as composed of two principles - the eternal spiritual soul (atman) and the temporary material body. Upon death, the atman is reborn in a new body, determined by its karma from past lives. This continuous cycle of birth, death and rebirth, governed by the law of karma, is known as samsara. The goal is to achieve moksha or liberation from this cycle through fulfilling one's dharma and reaching spiritual perfection.
1) Mediumship has evolved historically from early humans worshipping supernatural forces in nature as "gods", to the development of tribal mental mediumship and collective spirits beliefs. 2) Famous figures throughout history were said to have experienced mediumistic phenomena, such as Socrates, Brutus, Nero. 3) Mediumship was highly developed in early Christianity, with Jesus and the apostles displaying powerful physical mediumship like psychophony and xenoglossy at Pentecost, as well as spiritual healing.
This is a short booklet contain the practical guidelines on the use of the sacred medicine Ayahuasca, whose Spirit has come out publicly to disclose her plans for global expansion. The interesting history of its origins will be disclosed later on, but for the moment it is fair to say that this work became a reality thanks to the guidance and personal support of the well known Peruvian curandero vegetalista Don Jose Campos.
Due to the importance and global scope of the work, the author has remained anonymous, as it is not intended to highlight the personal merits of any supporter of this project. This e-book is a gift to Human race and effective today, other than the copyrights for any kind of printed medium, this e-book may be reproduced, copied, published, transmitted or otherwise distributed unconditionally.
This e-book was originally published in Spanish and later in Portuguese during 2011 and has gained some popularity judging only by the number of links shown by search engines when you google it. I hope you enjoy it and find it of great value, if so, please feel free to post it in any blog or send it to anyone you think may appreciate it. The Ayahuasca Manifesto has a Facebook page and a website where you can download it and even participate in discussion forums about the concepts and ideas presented. You may visit them at:
www.facebook.com/Manifesto123
www.ayahuasQueros.com
Best wishes and Blessings to all the seekers of Light of the Planet.
This document discusses what happens to the soul after death. It begins by discussing how people of all backgrounds, from scientists to great leaders, have wondered about what occurs after death. It then summarizes various religious and spiritual beliefs about the afterlife, including the Hindu concepts of reincarnation and realms for departed souls. The document emphasizes that understanding the afterlife can reduce the fear and sorrow of death, and encourage spiritual practices to overcome death and attain immortality.
This document provides an introduction to the concept of self-realization and understanding one's true self. It discusses how Socrates suggested that people should "know thyself" but that truly understanding one's self is challenging and not something that can be answered by others. The author explains that self-knowledge can only come through deep personal inquiry and seeking within oneself. The document also discusses how people commonly identify with things they possess like their body or mind, rather than understanding their true self beyond these things. The key idea is that truly understanding one's self is important but difficult to achieve.
This document discusses the Buddhist concept of kamma (volitional action) and how it relates to the laws of motion. It explains that kamma is governed by natural laws of action and reaction, like Newton's three laws of motion. Meditation practices like metta bhavana (loving-kindness meditation) can help decelerate come factors and accelerate become factors, allowing wishes to be realized sooner through the universal law of attraction. By understanding the dependent nature of phenomena and laws of motion, we can better comprehend how kamma operates to achieve balance.
This was a lecture delivered as a guest lecture during the International Seminar on science and Spirituality organised by Bhaktivedanta Institute Indonesia in Bali Denpasar in August 2010.The function was attended by the scholars of different religions, students of universities in Bali .
The document discusses concepts related to daemons and spiritual evolution from a Satanic perspective. It describes daemons as highly evolved souls that have progressed through multiple incarnations. Daemons can incarnate as humans to guide spiritual growth. The document also outlines methods for communicating with one's Holy Guardian Daemon, including assuming the form of deities through meditation. Rituals are described for requesting gifts from different gods. The piece cautions against worshipping daemons and stresses that all souls will continue evolving.
Dear readers, as far as I'm concerned "THE CHAOS THEORY" is EXPLICITABLE WITH A SEQUENCE OF FEW IMAGES (THAT FOR OBVIOUS REASONS CAN NOT EXPLICATE IN THIS CONTEXT), EVERY way by pointing out faulty sources, I will try, to follow, to describe some in formation about IT.
New Study Of Gita Nov 14 Dr Shriniwas J. Kashalikarahoskeri
Dr. Shriniwas Kashalikar discusses the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita in a lengthy document. Some key points discussed include:
1) The Gita provides a vision of universal unity and harmony, freeing individuals from limitations. It guides one to merge with cosmic consciousness.
2) The Gita's holistic perspective makes it vulnerable to attacks from those trapped in extremism and bigotry. However, its spirit will continue to triumph in guiding humanity.
3) Following one's dharma or duties selflessly, without expectations of rewards, is emphasized as the path to freedom and enlightenment according to the Gita's teachings.
New Study Of Gita Nov 14 Dr Shriniwas J. Kashalikarbanothkishan
This document provides a detailed summary and analysis of concepts from the Bhagavad Gita. It discusses key ideas around gunas (qualities) like sattva, rajas, and tamas and how they relate to human behavior and development. It also examines concepts of consciousness, free will, duty, and the path to overcoming desires and finding unity with cosmic consciousness according to the teachings of the Gita.
Similar to All existence in this planet ven. suwanno mahatheru (20)
The document provides information about unlocking a free sample of Simple Slides, which includes 10,000+ slides and infographics, 2,000+ icons, and the ability to edit slides and customize them. A premium package includes monthly slide updates and courses on PowerPoint, Excel, and Word. Users can save 15% by using a code for the sample. The document also contains various placeholder titles and text.
The document discusses various aspects of life that are certain or uncertain, as well as things that can deteriorate one's life. It states that three irrevocable aspects of life are time, chance, and words spoken. Three undeniable things are serenity, honesty, and hope. The three gems of life listed are love, self-esteem, and true friends. Uncertainties include dreams, fate, success, and anger. Things that can deteriorate life are arrogance, liquor, and anger. Kindness is likened to a garden where thoughts are roots, words are blossoms, and deeds are fruits.
The document contains nature-themed metaphors encouraging the reader to keep an open mind, be ready for new challenges and discoveries, and make their life a source of joy and comfort for others. It suggests living freely like a waterfall or open ocean, while also maintaining dignity and privacy like a volcanic lake. Overall, it promotes embracing new opportunities and sharing life's pleasures with others.
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The Book of Ruth is included in the third division, or the Writings, of the Hebrew Bible. In most Christian canons it is treated as one of the historical books and placed between Judges and 1 Samuel.
A Free eBook ~ Valuable LIFE Lessons to Learn ( 5 Sets of Presentations)...OH TEIK BIN
A free eBook comprising 5 sets of PowerPoint presentations of meaningful stories /Inspirational pieces that teach important Dhamma/Life lessons. For reflection and practice to develop the mind to grow in love, compassion and wisdom. The texts are in English and Chinese.
My other free eBooks can be obtained from the following Links:
https://www.slideshare.net/ohteikbin/presentations
https://www.slideshare.net/ohteikbin/documents
The forces involved in this witchcraft spell will re-establish the loving bond between you and help to build a strong, loving relationship from which to start anew. Despite any previous hardships or problems, the spell work will re-establish the strong bonds of friendship and love upon which the marriage and relationship originated. Have faith, these stop divorce and stop separation spells are extremely powerful and will reconnect you and your partner in a strong and harmonious relationship.
My ritual will not only stop separation and divorce, but rebuild a strong bond between you and your partner that is based on truth, honesty, and unconditional love. For an even stronger effect, you may want to consider using the Eternal Love Bond spell to ensure your relationship and love will last through all tests of time. If you have not yet determined if your partner is considering separation or divorce, but are aware of rifts in the relationship, try the Love Spells to remove problems in a relationship or marriage. Keep in mind that all my love spells are 100% customized and that you'll only need 1 spell to address all problems/wishes.
Save your marriage from divorce & make your relationship stronger using anti divorce spells to make him or her fall back in love with you. End your marriage if you are no longer in love with your husband or wife. Permanently end your marriage using divorce spells that work fast. Protect your marriage from divorce using love spells to boost commitment, love & bind your hearts together for a stronger marriage that will last. Get your ex lover who has remarried using divorce spells to break up a couple & make your ex lost lover come back to you permanently.
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A375 Example Taste the taste of the Lord, the taste of the Lord The taste of...franktsao4
It seems that current missionary work requires spending a lot of money, preparing a lot of materials, and traveling to far away places, so that it feels like missionary work. But what was the result they brought back? It's just a lot of photos of activities, fun eating, drinking and some playing games. And then we have to do the same thing next year, never ending. The church once mentioned that a certain missionary would go to the field where she used to work before the end of his life. It seemed that if she had not gone, no one would be willing to go. The reason why these missionary work is so difficult is that no one obeys God’s words, and the Bible is not the main content during missionary work, because in the eyes of those who do not obey God’s words, the Bible is just words and cannot be connected with life, so Reading out God's words is boring because it doesn't have any life experience, so it cannot be connected with human life. I will give a few examples in the hope that this situation can be changed. A375
Why is this So? ~ Do Seek to KNOW (English & Chinese).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma teaching of Kamma-Vipaka (Intentional Actions-Ripening Effects).
A Presentation for developing morality, concentration and wisdom and to spur us to practice the Dhamma diligently.
The texts are in English and Chinese.
The Hope of Salvation - Jude 1:24-25 - MessageCole Hartman
Jude gives us hope at the end of a dark letter. In a dark world like today, we need the light of Christ to shine brighter and brighter. Jude shows us where to fix our focus so we can be filled with God's goodness and glory. Join us to explore this incredible passage.
The Enchantment and Shadows_ Unveiling the Mysteries of Magic and Black Magic...Phoenix O
This manual will guide you through basic skills and tasks to help you get started with various aspects of Magic. Each section is designed to be easy to follow, with step-by-step instructions.
3. 2
Printed in Conjunction with
Kathina 2001 (B.C. 2545) of
Mahindarama Buddhist (Sri Lanka) Temple
No. 2 Kampar Road 10460 Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 04-282 5944
Email: mahindar@poboxes.com
Homepage: www.mahindarama.com
ISBN 983-9439-57-X
An Inward Journey Book
IJ058/01
The Thirty-One Planes of Existence
(as transcribed from Bhante Suvanno’s cassette recordings)
by
Jinavaüsa
Published by
Inward Path
Penang • Malaysia
4. 3
Printed for free distribution
Dedication
This book is dedicated to all devotees of
The Venerable âcàra Suvanno Mahàthera.
May they enjoy the highest of blessings
Asevana ca balanam; panditanam ca sevana
Puja ca pujaniyanam; Etam Mangala muttamam
Not to associate with fools, to associate with the wise
And to honour those who are worthy of honour
This is the highest blessing.
Acknowledgement
Grateful acknowledgement is extended to all those
who have helped, each in his or her special way, to
make this Dhamma book and the audio facilities
available.
Special thanks to KLA, Poay Hoon and Vivian
Chong for their remarks, proof-reading and various
contributions to the English language edition.
5. 4
Special thanks to Peter Babka (Vimaladhamma)
and Libor Sulak from the Czech Republic, and
Lee Tiam Kean for their contributions to the suc-
cess of the sound system; Sisters Jacqlyn Khoo
and Ng Wai Foong for their vocal contribution.
And most of all a very special “thank you” to the
Venerable Bhante âcàra Suvanno Mahàthera in
allowing us to bring his Dhamma messages to all
Dhamma-seekers.
Sàdhu! Sàdhu! Sàdhu!
Cover design by
Sunanda Lim
7. 6
Introduction
One of the main tenets in the Buddha’s Teachings
is that all things happen due to a cause. In the con-
text of birth and death, these two phenomena are
actually one process. Death is followed by immedi-
ate rebirth in accordance with a law known as the
Law of Causality. Death signals the end of a phase
of kamma and at that point the beginning of the
next phase of kamma gives immediate rebirth in
another plane of existence as dictated by the qual-
ity of the kamma arising at that moment in time. I
can do no better than to append herewith some
pertinent writings by Anagarika Sugatananda
(Francis Story) on the spirit world in introducing
“The Thirty-One Planes of Existence” by Venerable
Bhante Suvanno.
“In accordance with the universal Law of Causality,
death is followed by immediate rebirth in one of the
thirty-one planes of existence as a result of previ-
ous kamma. That is to say, a being arises in the
appropriate sphere to which past conscious ac-
tions and habitual tendencies culminating in the
“death-proximate kamma”, or last conscious thought-
8. 7
moment, have led him. If his actions of the three
types (mental, physical and vocal, manifesting in
thought, action and speech) have been directed by
a purified consciousness, he will re-manifest in a
higher plane or Brahma-loka; if they have been of
mixed type he will be reborn in one of the interme-
diate spheres of the kàma-loka (world of desire or
sensory gratification). If his kamma has been pre-
dominantly bad, with a strong reflex at the
moment of death, he will be reborn in what are
called the Duggatti (unhappy) states, including the
world of earthbound spirits or peta-loka. The
death-proximate kamma is an important factor in
deciding the immediate rebirth. It may be good or
bad, but whichever it is, it tends to be the state of
mind characteristic of the individual in his previ-
ous life, which takes possession of his last
moments of consciousness before it leaves the
body. Thus a person whose predominant charac-
teristic is a mental attitude of hate will at once re-
manifest in a form embodying his hatred, as that is
his death-proximate kamma, induced by habitual
past thoughts. If he has cultivated Mettà and
Karuna (benevolence and sympathy) it is that con-
sciousness that will arise in a higher plane where
these characteristics manifest.
9. 8
The most common type of habitual consciousness
is neither of active love nor active hatred, but desire
(taõhà). It is desire and attachment that bind the
individual to the wheel of Saüsàra. They provide
the motives of all activities: hatred and love them-
selves arise from the root cause of desire; love to-
wards the object of attraction, hatred when the de-
sire is thwarted. Most kamma, therefore, is of a
mixed type and its effects alternate in the experi-
ences of the future life in the kàma-loka. The world
wherein we now find ourselves is in the kàma-loka,
as it is one of the spheres dominated by desire and
sensual attachment.
The highest doctrine (of the Buddha) teaches the
basic truth of anatta, which means that even in the
earthly life-continuity of the individual there is no
persistent or unchanging entity. All things are in a
condition of flux; a causal continuum of successive
thought-moments and material conformations aris-
ing and passing away in obedience to the Law of
Dependent Origination. That which is developed by
mental discipline and spiritual purification is not a
personality, but a tendency. An infant carries the
latent tendencies of the past existence and the
seeds of the future life before it; but the child of five
10. 9
is not the same personality as the subsequent boy
of fifteen or man of fifty. Body, mind and all the ele-
ments will have changed many times between these
stages of the individual’s life. When we allude to
them as the same ‘person’ we are only using a nec-
essary convention; there is no identity linking the
child of five, the boy of fifteen and the man of fifty.
There is only a causal continuity; because the child
existed the man exists, and his ‘personality’ is the
aggregate of his thoughts, words, actions and expe-
riences during the intervening period. It is the func-
tion of memory alone which gives this causal-
continuum an appearance of being an identical per-
sonality continuous in time. When age, or any
organic alteration of the physical brain, causes the
faculties to decay, further changes of character or
personality arises, this time caused solely through
change in the material structure of the body. This
is further explained in the Buddhist doctrine of
anicca (impermanence of all phenomena).
We are in a better position to understand what ac-
tually takes place at death and rebirth. The being
that is reborn bears the same relationship; a causal
one, to the being of the previous life as the boy of
fifteen does to the child of five, or the man of fifty to
11. 10
the boy of fifteen. It is the same ‘person’ only in the
sense that the one carries on the cause-effect cur-
rent of the other. To use a familiar illustration: if we
knew a boy of fifteen and then lost sight of him un-
til he reached the age of fifty, we should find
scarcely anything by which to recognise him. Un-
less he bore some unusual physical characteristic
of a kind to endure all his life, even his own mother
would not be able to identify him.
A section of the Buddhist scriptures, the Peta
Vatthu, describes the state of those reborn in the
Duggatti spheres, and how they can be helped by
the living. The word ‘Peta’ may be roughly translated
as ‘ghost’, though it is related to the Sanskrit Pitri,
meaning ancestor. In the Peta Vatthu it is shown
that those reborn in the spirit world nearest the
earth-plane often have an inferior type of conscious-
ness to that with which they were equipped in their
previous existence. Far from having access to wider
realms of knowledge... they re-manifest with a lim-
ited consciousness and intellect, with imperfect
memory of the past life, and inhabiting a vague, in-
determinate half-world. At the same time because of
their strong attraction to the sphere they have left,
their contacts with it are relatively easier and more
12. 11
frequent than those of beings in the higher lokas. In
a sense, they exist side by side with the ‘living’; the
step between their place and ours is only small and
one easily taken by the psychically-sensitive.
It is from these beings that the trivial messages and
meaningless phenomena emanate. They have not
the same ‘personality’ they had on earth, but retain
only the accumulated characteristics most predom-
inant in that personality. This condition prevails
until that particular kamma-resultant is exhausted,
when they are reborn once again in the ceaseless
round of saüsàra, from which final escape is only
possible through the realisation of Nibbana.
On the human (manussa) level of the kàma-loka
there is pain and pleasure, good and evil, hatred
and love. It is the sphere of opposites, from which
we, as free agents, have to make our own choices
for the fulfillment of our evolution. All the lokas
must be regarded as planes of consciousness which
are attainable... in the physical body.
In effect while still on earth we can raise ourselves
to the plane of our choice and will inevitably re-
manifest there when the term of earthly existence is
ended. But any law, to be a true universal princi-
13. 12
ple, must operate both ways; we cannot logically
expect the cosmic law to work only in our favour. If
it did, there would be no point in man’s freedom of
choice in moral issues. Where it is open to man to
go upward, forward, it must be open to him to de-
scend in the scale of spiritual evolution also.
Greed, hatred, sensuality and inertia all have their
appropriate spheres of manifestation and their cor-
responding corporeal forms. When these types of
consciousness arise more frequently than their
spiritual opposites of generosity, love, purity and
energy, they create the form of the next birth. It is
at death that the Jekyll and Hyde metamorphosis
takes outward effect, not by any process of trans-
migration, or passing of a soul from one body to an-
other, but in accordance with the subtle and uni-
versal law of causality that rules the cosmos…. The
lower planes of the spirit world are peopled by crea-
tures imperfect in form and sub-human in the intel-
lect, the direct result of misuse of their faculties
during earthly life. Spirits such as these linger
about the places with which they were associated in
life, drawn thither by the strong force of attach-
ment, and they are able to make use of psychically
defenceless persons to make their contact with the
14. 13
world for which they crave. Themselves living in a
dim and cheerless world, they seek to share the life
they once knew, as a cold and homeless traveller
looks with longing into a warm and comfortable
room, where friends are seated round a glowing fire.
Impermanence is the inherent nature of all condi-
tions and neither suffering nor heavenly happiness
last forever. In time the kamma that produces them
runs its course and another phase of existence is
entered. So the state of these unhappy beings is
only temporary. Far from having greater knowledge
and power than human beings, they have less and
the teaching of Buddhism is that they should be re-
garded with compassion. They can be helped by the
loving thoughts of the living and good deeds done in
their names can, if they take advantage of the op-
portunity offered, by rejoicing in these deeds, allevi-
ate their unhappiness. The method of doing this –
by psychic dedication – is also fully dealt with in
the Pali commentaries and is regularly practised in
all Buddhist countries.” (Francis Story; The Light
of the Dhamma Vol.1)
Francis Story, an eminent student of Buddhism,
and the description of the “31 Planes” by the Ven-
15. 14
erable âcàra Suvanno Mahàthera should serve to
answer some questions regarding the relationship
of birth and death in the Buddha’s cosmology.
In the Chinese tradition of reckoning age, the Ven-
erable âcàra Suvanno Mahàthera will be 82 in this
year of 2001. From the age of 12 he has been prac-
tising the Buddha’s Teachings; progressing gradu-
ally and painstakingly until today, where he finds
himself immersed totally in the nitty-gritty of teach-
ing the Dhamma to one and sundry as and when
the demand falls on him. These constant and some-
times urgent demands on his time (sometimes the
demand can come as early as 2.00 am, as when
there is a knock on his door and he is called to the
bedside of a dying devotee to chant for the favoura-
ble rebirth of said devotee) mean that his time is not
his own. Such has been the case with Bhante for
the better part of his life as a practising monk. It
has always been “devotees come first” no matter
that he has no time to practise for his own salva-
tion. It is rare indeed that a call from a devotee is ig-
nored; even the whimpering of a stray dog has his
ear or the mewing of a hungry cat has his immedi-
ate attention. He has been known to stop half-way
in a Dhamma talk to enquire why a certain puppy is
16. 15
whimpering piteously in fear. “Please do not ill-treat
the poor little puppy, for he has a wretched birth.
Someone tried to drown the poor thing. Please treat
it with compassion.” A dying fish in an artificial lily
pond brings immediate action on his part to return
all the fishes to the river and do away with the
pond; all by himself!
The plight of a fellow monk in Yangon struck down
with a stroke takes him immediately to that city to
arrange for hospitalisation, up-to-date medical care
and nursing. Further, on arriving home; organising
medical funds for repatriation for the expenses of
the sick monk. Many too are the Theravada medita-
tion centres in Malaysia and Myanmar that have
benefited from his advice and financial assistance
when such centres were in the beginning stages of
organisation. Needless to say that this list of benefi-
ciaries is long.
In the period of his monkhood, a period of 21 years,
the Venerable Bhante has given his time for the
welfare of those who came to seek help and advice
in the many facets of life experiences, from happi-
ness to sadness, simple problems to problems of a
more serious nature. Amongst his many memora-
17. 16
bilia, throughout the years of his monkhood, that
he will leave to posterity, are cassette tapes of his
Dhamma talks in the Hokkien dialect. On these
tapes are recorded various topics of Dhamma as ex-
pounded by the Buddha in His 45 years of ministry.
“Sabbe sankhàra aniccati”; all compounded things
are impermanent, as such and at such times when
we are unable to hear the original Bhante Suvanno
in the flesh speaking to us in his inimitable way,
there will be available a new series of Dhamma
books and cassettes in English, Hokkien and Man-
darin, dedicated to his life’s work on the Path.
Beginning with No.1 in this new series of Dhamma
talks will be “The 31 Planes of Existence” and fol-
lowing will be such titles as “The Sixteen Dreams of
King Pasenadi,” “The Story of King Vesantara,” etc.
These Dhamma talks in Hokkien, currently on au-
dio tapes, will be transcribed into English, edited
and translated to Mandarin and eventually re-
corded onto CDs. This series will have a serial
number for easy identification.
Since 1990, when he was 70 years of age, Bhante
Suvanno had hinted that he would soon retire into
seclusion. The conditions had never been appropri-
18. 17
ate enough for the event to happen; however as
time passes by, he fully realises the urgency of con-
centrating on the true reason for his renunciation.
“Mere acts of reverence cannot be deemed to hon-
our, esteem, venerate and worship the Tathàgatha
rightly. Only the bhikkhu … lay disciple who prac-
tises fully according to the Teachings, who is en-
dowed with correctness in the practice of the
Teachings and who lives with righteousness and
truth, can be deemed to honour, esteem, venerate,
revere and worship the Tathàgatha in the highest
degree.” In the eyes of Bhante Suvanno, the highest
degree of veneration is to practise Vipassanà
Bhàvanà, as recommended by the Buddha.
In concluding this introduction to the new series of
Dhamma books that are forthcoming, we on the
editorial board conjoin our felicitations with all who
shared in making this Dhammaduta possible,
financially and service-wise, by wishing: dear
Bhante Suvanno,
May safety and comfort in the Dhamma be your blessings,
May good will and sincerity be your strength,
May mental and physical well-being be the twin pillars
Of the bridge that takes you to the shore of Nibbàna.
Jinavaüsa,
October, 2001
19. 18
The Thirty-One Planes of Existence
Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma Sambuddhasa
Homage to Him, the Exalted, the Worthy, the Fully Enlightened One
I have been asked to repeat my talk about the 31
Planes of Existence which I had given some time
ago. I did talk in general about that and there is
also a chart that I had organised and it is appended
here for your study. Today I shall explain each
plane in detail so you can be clear on the matter.
These may well be my last few Dhamma talks as it
is my aspiration to pursue my goal of being a “no-
body”; to retire into retreat and away from worldly
pursuits. I believe that there are many of my
Dhamma talks recorded on cassette tapes and if
there is an opportunity, please listen to my tapes. If
you feel depressed or sad, take out my tapes and
listen to the message; it may help you to know and
understand the Dhamma better.
It is my sincere hope that you will contemplate this
Dhamma talk and understand the fearsomeness of
hell. If you are constantly mindful of this, you will
fear to do evil and if you do no evil and abstain from
thoughtless actions you are on the correct path.
20. 19
The Thirty-One Planes of Existence
In this context, existence means life or living.
Planes means realms, levels or worlds, places. In
Pàli the word “Loka” is a near equivalent, as the
English language does not have an exact transla-
tion. We can say that these realms are as much
places as they are mental states. For example, if
your mind is evil, nasty or unwholesome and you
are constantly following your mind’s will, then you
are already living in the realm of hell. Furthermore,
if you perform such unwholesome actions again
and again without fear and without being mindful
of the results, you will be reborn in a place of suf-
fering: a hell realm. If you are honest, virtuous and
your mind is pure and you constantly practise the
wholesome acts of dàna, sãla and bhàvanà (medita-
tion) to develop your purity, then you are living in a
heavenly state and are sure to be reborn in a clean,
beautiful and pure place: a heavenly realm or even
attain Nibbàna. This cosmology and natural “law”
applies to all beings, not just Buddhists, for such
laws or Dhamma are not inventions of the Buddha,
but are natural and re-discovered by Him when He
became Enlightened under the Bodhi tree.
21. 20
One thing that we should remember is that all be-
ings, without exception, living in the different
realms are impermanent; they do not live forever.
Some beings in the heavens can live for a
eons but
once they die in one realm, they will be reborn as
another being in another realm, unless they have
attained Nibbana – which means that they don’t
have to suffer or be reborn in any of these realms;
they have achieved “non-existence”.
The inescapable law of kamma guarantees that
each and every one of our actions, whether it be of
body, speech or mind, has consequences in line
with the skilfulness or otherwise of that action.
We can often witness this process first-hand in
our own lives; the effects may not be immediately
apparent. But the Buddha also taught that our
actions have effects that extend far beyond our
present life, determining the quality of rebirth af-
ter death: act in wholesome, skilful ways and you
are destined for a favourable rebirth; act in un-
wholesome, unskilful ways and an unpleasant re-
birth awaits. In our ignorance, we stumble for
a
eons through saüsàra, propelled from one birth
to the next by the quality of our choices and our
actions, not knowing where we shall end up next
22. 21
and unconsciously clinging to and craving for a
better existence; rushing helter-skelter, as if
blindfolded to join a speeding bullet train taking
us to a destination we know not where. Compare
this to a flock of chickens on the farm, happily
scrounging for food, oblivious of the fact that at
any time, one or any of its number will be picked
up and slaughtered!
The suttas described 31 distinct “planes” or
“realms” of existence into which beings can be re-
born during their long wandering through
saüsàra. These range from the extraordinarily
dark, grim and painful hell realms all the way up
to the most sublime, refined and exquisitely bliss-
ful heavenly realms. Existence in every realm is
impermanent; in the cosmology taught by the
Buddha there is no eternal heaven or hell. Beings
are born into a particular realm according to both
their past kamma and their kamma at the moment
of death. When the kammic force that propelled
them to that realm is finally exhausted, they pass
away, taking rebirth once again elsewhere accord-
ing to their kamma. And so the wearisome cycle
continues on and on into the deepest recesses of
infinity.
23. 22
In these 31 planes, eleven realms are dominated
by the five senses, which includes our own human
realm, six other realms occupied by devas and
four realms of suffering. The lowest plane being
hell, niraya and, in ascending order, the animal
world, the world of the peta or hungry ghosts and
the world of the asura; these are the planes of suf-
fering where there is no opportunity to gain mer-
its. Unfortunately these planes are the most popu-
lated, bursting at their seams with beings reaping
the fruits of their past evil deeds. We must under-
stand that in these four woeful planes, the most
fearsome is hell, there being eight major hells, five
minor hells and various sub-hells. In certain hell
situations there is no let up of suffering for even
one moment.
Going beyond these eleven are another sixteen
realms of devas and gods of various classifications,
and finally there are the four pure abodes of form-
less gods where the life span is so long that it ap-
pears to be timeless. Because of this length of time
certain gods whose life spans are much longer than
others have the idea that they are immortal, having
seen so many others coming and going whilst they
themselves are still around.
24. 23
The Buddha further said that these 31 Planes of Ex-
istence exist not only in this universe but are found
amongst millions of other world systems or uni-
verses. Every system or world has its 31 Planes of
Existence. This unique universal truth was realised
by the Buddha on His Enlightenment 2,500 years
ago. It is perhaps worth mentioning that only the
Buddha was able to discover this unique truth
through the process of a method or discipline known
today as Vipassanà Bhàvanà (or Insight Meditation).
Thus far no other religious teacher has been known
to propound and teach this unique natural law. The
Buddha further exhorted that to strive for the at-
tainment of Enlightenment should be the ultimate
goal of His students and disciples. Many of His dis-
ciples were able to achieve enlightenment during His
ministry and one of the few notable ones, called An-
uruddha, was able to confirm what the Buddha saw.
So how many world systems are there in all? The
early Buddhist texts (Nikàya) sometimes talk in
terms of “the thousandfold world system”, “the
twice-thousandfold world system”, and the
“thrice-thousandfold world system”. According to
Buddhaghosa there are 1,000,000,000,000 world
systems1
.
25. 24
Two thousand five hundred years ago the Buddha
and His enlightened disciples had witnessed what
today, science has just begun to discover: that
there are other world systems, each with its life
forms as are found in this vast universe.
Human beings who are ignorant of the Dhamma
neither find the necessity to develop wholesome or
good actions or deeds nor do they fear to do bad
deeds. The Buddha was very clear. If beings do not
do good deeds they will not accumulate merits, in
which case in their next rebirth they are sure to be
reborn into the world of hungry ghosts, animals or
wandering spirits. If one disregards good deeds and
only performs bad deeds, it is similar to one plant-
ing a tree with its root reaching right to the bottom
of hell. Beings who advocate against good and
wholesome deeds are very unwise: why? In a per-
1. This view is supported in the book Atlas of the
Universe by Patrick Moore, published by Cambridge
University Press in the UK in 1998, Life in the
Universe pp 206; in which is stated: There are
100,000 million stars in our Galaxy, many of which
are very like the Sun; we can see 1,000 million
galaxies, and it does not seem reasonable to believe
that in all this host, our Sun alone is attended by a
system of planets.
26. 25
son who does not perform good deeds, the kammic
energy he creates is unwholesome and at every re-
birth he will find himself in one of the four woeful
planes. It has been said by the wise that whatever
seeds one sows, the fruits thereof shall one reap.
The Buddha has said that beings who had per-
formed good deeds in previous existences would
find rebirth in one of the twenty-seven planes in-
cluding the human plane. These twenty-seven
planes are known to be sugati, that is, in a happy
world. The four woeful planes are known as dug-
gati. These four woeful planes are really sorrowful
as there will be no joy or laughter, only suffering.
Only human beings who regularly practise mental
development and those in the habit of doing good
deeds will gain merits to be reborn in one of the
twenty-seven happy planes. Unfortunately, human
beings make up the minority number here. Even in
these sugati planes, some humans are laughing
and some are crying. Some have plenty to eat and
some go starving. Why do all these inequalities
come about? All these are the results of kamma. In
the final analysis, good things that happen to one;
wealth, having enough to eat and wear, happiness
and peace are due to the sowing of good seeds on
27. 26
fertile ground thus accumulating merits. “One can-
not be reborn into any existence as one desires, but
will fall into any one of the 31 planes of existence
according to one’s past kamma.” (The Manuals of
Buddhism by Ledi Sayadaw)
Ledi Sayadaw further states that: “Dispersion of
life” after death is worse than death itself, for the
four realms of misery down to the great “Avãci” Hell
stand wide open to a puthujjana (a worldling who is
ignorant of the Dhamma) who departs from the
abode of men, like space without any obstruction.
As soon as the term of life expires, he may fall into
any of the niraya or realms of misery. Whether far
or near on passing away, there is no intervening
period of time. He may be reborn as an animal, as a
peta, a wretched shade or as an asura, or titan, in
the wink of an eye. The same holds true if he dies in
the upper six realms of the devas. However, if he
dies from the higher levels of råpa loka and aråpa
loka, there is no direct fall into the four realms of
misery, but there is a halt of one existence either in
the abode of men or in one of the six realms of the
devas, wherefrom conditioned by his kamma and
his unskilful actions in the human abode, he may
yet fall into one of the four realms of misery.
28. 27
In our experience in this existence, we know that
some people are reborn into wealthy families and
some into poor families. Some grow up in golden
cradles and some sleep on gunny sacks on the
floor. Some are tall or short, beautiful or ugly; some
are stupid and some are intelligent. All these in-
equalities, the Buddha explained, are the results of
the merits or demerits of the actions of dàna and
generosity done in our previous existences.
Giving dàna, keeping of precepts and practising
meditation are good wholesome deeds. If human
beings practise these three good and wholesome ac-
tions they will stand very good chances of finding
rebirth in happy planes.
These 31 planes are divided into three types of
worlds:
1. Kàma-loka or kàmabhava
(the sensuous world)
— 11 planes
2. Råpa-loka or råpabhava
(the world of form / fine material
world)
— 16 planes
3. Aråpa-loka or aråpabhava
(the formless world / immaterial
world)
— 4 planes
29.
30. 29
Kàma-loka
(The Sensuous World)
The sensuous world is finely divided into the follow-
ing planes:
a. Kàmaduggati
b. Kàmasugati
A. Kàmaduggati Bhåmi — The Four States of
Deprivation (apàya) are as follows:
1. Niraya (Hell)
These are realms of unimaginable suffering
and anguish (described in graphic detail in
Majjhima Nikaya 129 & 130). They should not
be confused with the eternal hell proposed by
other religions, since one’s time here is, as it is
in every realm, temporary. Unwholesome ac-
tions, murdering one’s parents or an arahant,
injuring the Buddha, or creating a schism in
the Sangha, being quarrelsome and annoying
to others are the ways to enter this region.
Human beings usually consider hell as being
at the very bottom in the planes and often
think that hell is inside a volcano or under the
31. 30
ground or the ocean but it doesn’t have to be
in any one place. Besides there are about a bil-
lion solar systems so why does hell have to be
under the ground on earth. It could be any-
where and the heavens could be anywhere too,
not just up in the clouds. We should try to vis-
ualise these realms more as states of being,
not just places or up and down.
Niraya, the lowest level in the hell region, is a
place of unimaginable torment. Totally devoid
of happiness (sukha), only suffering (dukkha)
is to be found here. In this life, if one does very
harmful things, like killing, patricide or matri-
cide, one will condition the mind to be negative
and unwholesome. When passing away in this
state of mind, one will surely find rebirth in
this realm of great torment, joining other nega-
tive minded beings to suffer for a very long
time. One must realise that one is not being
punished by anyone; it’s a natural process of
cause and effect. Just as similar grains of sand
gather to form a beach and birds of a feather
flock together, so do evil beings naturally at-
tract and end up with other evil beings. The
same natural “law” applies to all realms.
32. 31
2. Tiracchàna Yoni (Animals)
This realm includes all the non-human forms
of life that are visible to us under ordinary cir-
cumstances: animals, insects, fish, birds,
worms, etc. Behaving like an animal will get
one to this plane.
The animal world is also not a pleasant place
but often we think that it is. We look at birds
flying in the sky and we say, “Ah, so beautiful,
they are free and can go anywhere they want
to.” Flying is not as easy as it looks. Imagine
putting on a set of wings and trying to take off,
could you keep your arms out-stretched for
even five or ten minutes? Birds do it for hours,
sometimes days! Besides, why are they flying
around up there anyway? They’re not doing it
for fun, they’re working. They’re searching for
food or something to build their nests with,
looking after their kids, and looking out for
danger. Birds and animals are always afraid
that someone or something is going to get
them, so they live with fear and worry.
Animals’ lives are not so great; they have no
choice but to search for food, fight and kill to
33. 32
stay alive. They must mark and guard their
territory and then become hostile to intruders.
We think that some animals are lucky, like
house pets but are they really happy? Maybe
they would prefer to be out in the wild or
catching their own food; we don’t know. I know
that they are dependent upon us and when we
go away, they fret and worry. I once met a man
who said that he wanted to be reborn as a lion,
king of the jungle. I said that lions have to kill
for their food and fight the other lions to con-
tinue to be the king; it’s not an easy life. Also,
animals don’t have many options in life, they
are bound and restricted by their environ-
ments, intelligence, and instincts.
3. Peta Loka (Hungry ghosts)
The next realm is that of the peta, often re-
ferred to as hungry ghosts. They wander hope-
lessly about in this realm, searching in vain for
fulfillment. It is said that hungry ghosts have
big, fat stomachs and tiny, little mouths. They
are never satisfied, always hungry and can
never get enough to eat. So if people are very
greedy and don’t practise dàna (sharing/giv-
ing), then they might become one of these be-
34. 33
ings. Sometimes people have pity for the peta
because they can’t do good deeds for them-
selves, so they try to help them by doing good
deeds and sharing merits with them, particu-
larly if they think that their departed relative
may have been reborn as one.
Generally speaking, ghosts are the humans
who have a very strong attachment to human
existence or a particular place and although
they are dead, they can’t leave. I think that
friendly ghosts exist in this realm too, the ones
who have lost their way, or those who died
suddenly and don’t know that they’re dead yet
or who have “unfinished business” to do. For
these “trapped” beings, mettà (loving-kindness)
from us will help them along; there’s no need
to be afraid of ghosts.
4. Asura (Demons)
Asura, demons or titans are powerful and war-
like but it seems that they don’t harm hu-
mans. These demons, “titans” that dwell here
are engaged in relentless conflict with one an-
other. Some people are afraid of these beings
but few beings can go from one realm to an-
other. We can’t become animals or just go and
35. 34
visit heaven or hell and come back again, nei-
ther can they. So do not be afraid, be friendly.
These four lower realms are unhappy or
dukkha (suffering) realms. There is no chance
to be good or to do good. When we do mettà
bhàvanà (loving kindness meditation) and we
say, “May all beings be happy and peaceful,
healthy and strong”, it includes all of these
beings too.
B. Kàmasugati Bhumi — After the four woeful
planes, there is the human plane and six other
planes of heavenly gods, the highest of which
is Paranimmita Vasavatti, the abode of the
gods who make others’ creation serve their
own ends.
5. Manussa Loka (Human beings)
World of human beings. You are here (for
now). Rebirth as a human being is extraordi-
narily rare (see Saüyutta Nikàya LVI.48). It is
also extraordinarily precious, as its unique
mix of pleasure and pain facilitates the devel-
opment of virtue and wisdom to the degree
necessary to set one free from the entire cycle
36. 35
of rebirths. The attainment of stream-entry
(sotàpatti) guarantees that all future rebirths
will be in the human or higher realms.
The human world has not only a mixture of
dukkha and sukha but also upekkha, which
means balance, neutrality or equanimity.
Humans are found in many varied and ex-
treme life situations. Some are born in poor
villages or countries, without proper food,
clean water, clothes, money, adequate sanita-
tion etc. To these unfortunate people it’s hell
on earth; all dukkha. I assume that all of us
here are average; we have good families, well
fed and clothed, with children going to good
schools. We’re not rich, not poor and our lives
have the normal ups and downs. Some are re-
born as princes or princesses and have the
best of everything; very little dukkha and lots
of sukha. They live heavenly lives in this world.
Only in this human realm is there pleasant
and unpleasant, happy and unhappy, good
and bad, and everything in between; therefore
beings can only really understand the true
nature of existence in the human realm. We
can realise the imbalance of existence and en-
37. 36
deavour to restore the balance, particularly in
our own minds.
It is pointless to debate whether these realms
are real or whether they are merely fanciful
metaphors describing the various mind-states
we might experience in this lifetime. The real
message of this cosmology is simply this: un-
less we take steps to break free from the iron
grip of kamma, we are doomed to wander aim-
lessly in saüsàra, with genuine peace and sat-
isfaction always out of reach. The Buddha’s
Noble Eightfold Path provides us with precisely
the tools we need to break out of this cycle,
once and for all, to true freedom.
6. Càtumahàràjika Heaven
Devas of the Four Great Kings, home of the
gandhabbas, the celestial musicians, and the
yakkas, tree spirits of varying degrees of ethi-
cal purity.
7. Tàvatiüsa Heaven
The Thirty-three Gods with Sakka (Indra) as
their king, a devotee of the Buddha, presides
over this realm. Many devas dwelling here live
in mansions in the air.
38. 37
8. Yàma Heaven
Yàma Devas. These devas live in the air, free of
all difficulties.
9. Tusita Heaven
World of contented devas. A realm of pure de-
light and gaiety. Bodhisattas abide here prior
to their final human birth.
10. Nimmànarati Heaven
World of devas delighting in creation. These
devas delight in the sense objects of their own
creation.
11. Paranimmita-vasavatti Heaven
World of devas wielding power over the crea-
tion of others. These devas enjoy sense pleas-
ures created by others for them. Màra, the per-
sonification of delusion and desire, lives here.
There are six deva realms included in this group.
In other religions when they talk about heaven
(only one), they are talking about this Deva Loka.
Here, there is very little dukkha, it’s mostly very
pleasant. The beings here are not born as babies,
they are already adults and they remain the same
age until they die. There may be beautiful golden
39. 38
mansions with gardens and angels playing lovely
music. There are documented cases where people
have physically or clinically died, “left” their bod-
ies (the rebirth process has already begun) and
seen these heavens but meanwhile recover and
have to “come back” to their bodies again. This is
called a near-death experience, it’s not strange,
it’s natural. A person might end up in these
realms by following his religion correctly. Bud-
dhists who practise dàna (sharing), sãla (morality)
and bhàvanà (meditation), particularly mettà
bhàvanà (loving kindness) may be reborn in these
Deva Lokas.
The luxuries and sensual pleasures enjoyed by the
devas and devis in the six Deva Lokas are far supe-
rior to any human pleasures one can dream of.
There are beautiful gardens and parks where devas
and devis stroll about in an almost timeless period.
Their dwellings are mansions nestling gently among
verdant green foliage and beautiful pleasant lakes
where crystal clear waters give them a sense of
peace and calmness.
The jewelled mansions where devas reside are cre-
ated by their own good kamma. All devas look as if
they are 20 years old, and devis, 16. They never
40. 39
age; they remain youthful and beautiful all their
lives. They consume only celestial food so their bod-
ies produce no excreta. Devas and devis have differ-
ent kusala kamma and so some are better looking
than others, naturally their mansions too are of dif-
ferent grades according to their kusala kamma.
All these divine abodes are full of sensual pleasures
and are fully enjoyed by the celestial beings, so
much so that they do not find the necessity to med-
itate or to keep their precepts. Thus there is no pos-
sibility of doing good or practising the Dhamma or
meditation in these Deva Lokas. Passing away on
exhausting their kusala kamma, and not having ac-
cumulated further merits in these Deva Lokas, they
are sure to descend into one of the four woeful
planes. To be reborn into the Deva Lokas or celes-
tial planes is not a great comfort as we see clearly
that there are many dangers and hindrances to-
wards spiritual progress. To the unwary these are
likened to booby traps.
41.
42. 41
Råpa-loka, Form Realms
(The Fine Material World)
The following are the different planes of devas:
12. Pàrisajja Brahma
Retinue / servants of Mahà Brahma.
13. Purohita Brahma
Ministers / advisors of Mahà Brahma. Beings
in these planes enjoy varying degrees of jhanic
bliss.
14. Mahà Brahma
Great Brahmas. Two of this realm’s more
famous inhabitants are the Great Brahma, a
deity whose delusion leads him to regard him-
self as the all-powerful, all-seeing supposedly
creator of the universe (see Digha Nikaya 11),
and Brahma Sahampati, who begs the Buddha
to teach Dhamma to the world.
15. Parittàbha Deva
Devas of Limited Radiance.
43. 42
16. Appamàõàbha Deva
Devas of Unbounded Radiance.
17. âbhassara Deva
Devas of Streaming Radiance.
18. Parittàsubha Deva
Devas of Limited Glory.
19. Appamàõàsubha Deva
Devas of Unbounded Glory
20. Subhakiõõa Deva
Devas of Radiant Glory
21. Vehapphala Devu
Very Fruitful Devas, they enjoy varying degrees
of jhanic bliss.
22. Asa¤¤a Sattà
Mindless beings, only body is present; absence
of sa¤¤à cetasika.
23. Aviha Deva
Devas not Falling Away. They live their full life
span.
44. 43
24. Atappa Deva
Untroubled Devas. They are not troubled by
the five hindrances.
25. Sudassa Deva
Beautiful Devas. They have magnificient/
beautiful body forms.
26. Sudassi Deva
Clear-sighted Devas. They see things with ease.
27. Akaniññha Deva
Peerless Devas. Beings who become non-
returners in other planes are reborn here,
where they attain arahantship.
In these sixteen planes there are no females, all are
males and when one is reborn there one becomes a
male and there is no attachment or emotion be-
cause there is no sex, no greed and all sensuous
feelings are non-existent. They are very peaceful be-
ings and they live very pure lives, free from all
thoughts of sensual pleasures. In their existence as
humans they had preferred the solitude of medita-
tion in quiet places away from town centres, cities,
houses, villages and monasteries, remote from
worldly and sensual pleasures.
45. 44
Most religions teach that there is one God who cre-
ates everything and is the ruler of all. In Buddhism,
we don’t say that there is just one God but we say
that there are many gods, in many godly realms.
Buddhists don’t pray to or worship any of these be-
ings. Remember that it is very rare that beings can
go from one realm to another; in the same way, the
gods don’t rule over humans, they rule over the
heavens. The Gods and divine beings, not having
achieved Enlightenment, still have pride and ego
and like to have large retinues or attendants. Thus
most religions form around the belief that there are
eternal and omnipotent beings that create and rule
over everything and everyone. Buddhists don’t live
in the shadow of or obey any beings with selfish
pride. Everyone has the power to become enlight-
ened, which is greater than mere godly status. The
beings in the heavenly realms have very fine mate-
rial bodies, they can go anywhere; they just think
where they want to be and they are already there,
as in the imagination or in a dream.
These realms are accessible to those who have
reached at least some level of attainment in their
meditation and who have thereby managed to erad-
icate hatred and ill-will to some extent, though not
46. 45
all. They are said to possess extremely refined bod-
ies of pure light. The only way to reach this plane is
through the practice of meditation. There is no
need for illumination in this plane, as all beings
here are beautiful and radiant in different degrees
and their faces shine brilliantly, lighting up the sur-
rounding area. This plane is called the Råpa world
where Brahmas live.
47. 46
Aråpa-loka, Formless Realm
(The Immaterial World)
The highest in these realms, the Pure Abodes
(28-31), are accessible only to those who have at-
tained to “non-returning”, the stage of arahantship.
It consists of four realms that are the abodes of
those who pass away while meditating in the form-
less jhànas. This is the purest of the 31 planes of
existence.
28. âkàsàna¤càyatanupaga Deva
Sphere of Infinite Space.
29. Vi¤¤aõa¤càyatanupaga Deva
Sphere of Infinite Consciousness.
30. âki¤ca¤¤àyatanupaga Deva
Sphere of Nothingness.
31. Nevasa¤¤ànàsa¤¤àyatanupaga Deva
Sphere of Neither-perception-nor-non-perception.
The inhabitants of these realms are possessed
entirely of mind. Having no physical body, they
are unable to hear Dhamma teachings.
48. 47
Aråpa means no bodily form at all; having no mate-
rial body and possessing mind only, beings in these
realms do not feel physical dukkha. Life here is very
pleasant and extremely long. One may be reborn in
such a realm by practising strong and deep absorp-
tion concentration meditation techniques. These
states are very pure and having become adept at
entering into these states one may, upon death,
choose to die in this state and be reborn in such a
realm. However this is not to say that one should
aspire to be born in this realm, as the primary
objective of meditation taught by the Buddha is to
attain Nibbàna, and that can only be through Vi-
passanà Bhàvanà (meditation), the Buddha said.
The Fine-Material World and the Immaterial World
together constitute the “heavens” (sagga).
All this information is not really important if you
want to attain enlightenment. It’s just an interest-
ing subject that many people like to philosophise
over. But the Buddha’s teaching is not merely a
philosophy; it is a practice, a blueprint for blissful
living. As we have just mentioned, Vipassanà
Bhàvanà is the only way to Enlightenment and to
achieve the goal of the Buddha’s teaching. For this
to happen we need to practise diligently.
49. 48
In the rounds of saüsàra that beings go through,
regardless of the plane they live and die in, the
process of being reborn, getting old, sick, dying and
being reborn again had been tediously timeless. All
beings undergo these processes many times in as
many Great Kappas. What is a kappa? The Buddha
explained that a kappa is likened to an enormous
piece of rock that is seven miles long, seven miles
wide and seven miles deep in dimension. A Deva,
once in one hundred years, taking a piece of very
fine cloth, rubs it, till it is no more. This is the
length of time of one kappa. We could have been re-
born many times in this Great Kappa. (Manual of
Abhidhamma, Ch.5 & Note V.1)
In their ignorance and delusion, beings go through
their unending cycles of rebirths repeatedly, with-
out contemplating the sufferings they have experi-
enced in saüsàra. In their delusion they believe
that they are having great enjoyment in their lives
and thus at each rebirth they crave to be reborn
again and again, even though some of their rebirths
are in the planes of animals, hungry ghosts or
sometimes as gods in the heavenly realms.
In our repeated cycles of rebirth, many Buddhas
have passed through, and we have sometimes met
50. 49
with the Buddha and sometimes not. The Buddha
has said very clearly that there are as many Bud-
dhas in the many Great Kappas as there are peb-
bles along the two thousand miles of the banks of
the River Ganges. So lengthy a time and with so
many opportunities, yet the greater number of hu-
mans have not awakened to the realities of the hor-
rors of rebirths.
In their ignorance and delusion, the Buddha said,
human beings are unable to realise and remember
any single vestige of the sufferings they had experi-
enced in their previous existences, and in their de-
luded cravings for and clingings to sensuous pleas-
ures they are inevitably reborn to a world where
their cravings, clingings and kamma take them.
Human beings, especially, have experienced so
many losses of loved ones in their many existences
that the tears they have shed are more than all the
waters of the oceans in this present world. Yet they
are desirous of rebirth.
The Buddha also said that humans are normally
desirous of doing unwholesome deeds rather than
wholesome deeds. When they are about to die, in
the last death moment when they see that they are
51. 50
going to be reborn into one of the four woeful
planes, only then are they repentant and pray to be
reborn into the human world. That is then too late!
The Buddha had often said that to be born as a
human being is a very rare feat. One of His disci-
ples then asked the Buddha how rare was the occa-
sion, and to give an example for clarification. The
Buddha said:
“Monks, suppose that this great earth were to-
tally covered with water, and a man were to
toss a yoke with a single hole therein. A wind
from the east would push it west, a wind from
the west would push it east. A wind from the
north would push it south, a wind from the
south would push it north. And suppose a
blind sea-turtle were there. It would come to
the surface once every one hundred years.
Now, what do you think? Would that blind
sea-turtle, coming to the surface once every
one hundred years, stick his neck into the
yoke with a single hole?”
“It would be a sheer coincidence, lord, that the
blind sea-turtle, coming to the surface once
every one hundred years, would stick his neck
52. 51
into the yoke with a single hole.” (Majjhima
Nikàya 129.24)
“It’s likewise a sheer coincidence that one
obtains the human state. It’s likewise a sheer
coincidence that a Tathàgata, worthy and
rightly self-awakened, arises in the world. It’s
likewise a sheer coincidence that a doctrine
and discipline expounded by a Tathàgata
appear in the world. Now, this human state
has been obtained. A Tathàgata, worthy and
rightly self-awakened, has arisen in the world.
A doctrine and discipline expounded by a
Tathàgata appears in the world.”
“Therefore your duty is to contemplate: ‘This is
stress… This is the origination of stress… This
is the cessation of stress… This is the path of
practice leading to the cessation of stress.’”
(Saüyutta Nikàya LVI.48)
So it is the same in our repeated rebirths. We are ig-
norant and hold many wrong views, and because of
these we have done many wrong and unwholesome
deeds. In the many lifetimes that we passed through
samsàra we may have by chance met with the
Buddha sàsana once or twice at best, at which time
we may know the Truth. We are repeatedly reborn
53. 52
into this world where the strong will destroy the
weak and the intelligent will despise the not so intel-
ligent. The world we are born in is a very materialis-
tic world and sensuous desires are very corrupting.
To be reborn as a human being is already a very
rare occasion, to be reborn as a human being in a
Buddha sàsana with the knowledge to practise the
Dhamma is much more singular and unique.
Maybe once in a thousand rebirths are we able to
be so fortunate as to have that happen to us, as ex-
plained by the Sayadaws Ledi and Mahàsi. There
are also times when there will not be a Buddha
sàsana. These then will be very bleak times indeed.
In our repeated rebirths, the Buddha said, we carry
with us many wrong views. In some rebirths we are
against the Buddha’s teaching. Sometimes in our
meditation or when we are chanting, our sub-
conscious shows up and we find that we have an-
tagonistic thoughts of the Buddha. These thoughts
are not of our own thinking but due to the wrong
views that we may have held in the Buddha sàsana
in countless previous lifetimes.
We sometimes find some young persons and even
matured persons with very unruly and destructive
54. 53
behaviour, even with the things they profess to
love. This is because of the results of unwholesome
actions accumulated through many lifetimes, ris-
ing from the depths of their sub-conscious in this
present lifetime, characterising their every word
and action. These results of past unwholesome
actions cause much suffering and give rise to de-
filements which colour their present deeds. What
are these defilements? They are greed, anger or ha-
tred and delusions. Because of these defilements
their words and actions will be tainted. Some
speak with barbs in their words and some act with-
out restraint.
Most importantly, we must be aware and mindful of
the defilements of greed, hatred and delusion. Not
to be associated with an entity such as ‘I’, ‘me’ or
‘mine’, all these ‘I’s; ‘I’ am so and so; ‘my father is so
and so’; all these are very strong egoistic references
to self, and the Buddha has called this ‘sakkàya-
diññhi’, the wrong view of self. ‘I’ drives ‘I’ to perform
unwholesome action that will cause endless suffer-
ing to ‘I’. Thus the most important goal of the medi-
tator or yogi in meditation is to destroy this false
concept of ‘I’. If one does not have the wrong view of
‘I’, one does not place importance on ‘I’. Example:
55. 54
Noticing some beautiful floral arrangements, one
may wish to commend those responsible for ar-
ranging those flowers so beautifully. When ad-
dressed thus, the person who did the job, if of a
strong self-centred personality will probably remark
that it was he or she who did the job. ‘I did it, it was
all my own work.’ The one without wrong views of ‘I’
will probably say ‘This is my first attempt and is not
good. So-and-so taught me the work, you should
see her arrangement. It really is very good.’
Comparing the two individuals, one with strong
view of self and the other not so, you can see which
speech is more hurtful to the ears of the one who
hears. Pride of self concept can be very dangerous
and harmful, and it can lead to misunderstanding
and conflict of egos.
Mahàsi Sayadaw and Ledi Sayadaw have said that
those who understand the nature of suffering and
are knowledgeable of the Dhamma, fear the results
of unwholesome actions and will refrain from doing
anything of that nature. Those who are not know-
ledgeable of the Dhamma are not exempt from the
sufferings resulting from unwholesome actions. If
their excuse is that, since they do not know about
56. 55
the Dhamma they should not be affected due to
their ignorance, they are sadly mistaken, because
what the Buddha taught are universal laws and will
affect everyone – whether one is aware of it or not.
There are those that hear the Dhamma but still
continue to do their unwholesome actions. These
are people that are asking for trouble. Just imagine
those that leave this hall today, as they go out they
will have to pass through railings on the left and
right. One group knows that the railings are burn-
ing hot, another group does not. Those that know
will, of course, not touch the railings, but those
that don’t will grab the railings and thereby get
themselves burnt badly. In the eyes of the law, ig-
norance of the law is not a valid defence. Pleading
guilty will, of course, draw a lighter sentence.
If we are ignorant in this existence, we must not go
on being ignorant in our next existence. We should
work towards gaining knowledge in this present
existence. Once we have found the Truth in this ex-
istence, we shall have continuity of knowledge of
the Truth in our future existences. We have men-
tioned that the Buddha has said that it is a rare
feat to be born in the time of a Buddha sàsana! We
57. 56
are very lucky in deed to be born in this Buddha
sàsana, where we are exposed to His Teachings,
but unfortunately, very few will be able to discern
the Truth of the Dhamma. Even so, those few that
listen and practise the Dhamma will find a better
rebirth for themselves and we shall be very happy
for them.
Those who are ignorant will not make any attempt
to know and practise the Dhamma. It is very unfor-
tunate, as they do not even know how to keep the
Five Precepts. It is also pitiful that some are only
able to keep the Precepts once, at the beginning of
the year! And do nothing wholesome the rest of the
time. They expect good results will be theirs be-
cause of this once-in-the-year precept keeping.
These poor people are cheating themselves. These
people are not serious in wanting to do good and to
purify their minds. Those who are serious will pre-
pare themselves days ahead of the actual day they
are taking precepts. It does not mean that one
keeps the precepts on certain days and not on
other days. No! One must keep the Precepts every
day, with mindfulness! Keeping the Five Precepts
well daily will, the Buddha has said, enable one to
be reborn in a happy plane.
58. 57
The way to a better rebirth and happy plane of ex-
istence is by observing the precepts, doing good
deeds, performing dàna and practising Vipassanà
Bhàvanà. Do not view wrongly that the perform-
ance of dàna is a very simple action. It is possible to
do dàna only if one has the opportunity and the
means.
It is not by chance that we are able to hear this
Dhamma and be together with all our Dhamma
friends today, but by the accumulated merits of
wholesome actions done presently or in our past
existences. One’s meeting with a knowledgeable or
good Dhamma friend is also due to accumulated
merits of good practices such as dàna and medita-
tion. If one has not performed such wholesome
deeds one will not be able to have merits to warrant
such good, fortunate, meetings. Some people want-
ing to and even being invited to hear the Dhamma,
might not be able to do so due to not having per-
formed wholesome deeds, dàna or meditation to
warrant the good results. They have missed the
boat due to ignorance and not having performed
wholesome deeds.
It is of utmost importance to observe the precepts,
practice meditation, perform dàna and other good
59. 58
deeds of a selfless nature, without any expectations
of material gains. The results of such deeds of dif-
ferent kinds will result in different benefits. Even
when we have attained to the top of the happy
planes, there is no guarantee that we are safe from
future sufferings. Depending on our merits, we can
still have defilements which, if we are not mindful
of them, will lead us to the lower planes of exist-
ence. We have to be constantly mindful to guard
the entrance to the six sense doors in order to be
aware of our actions.
One we hear the Dhamma and practise meditation,
we will be mindful of the sensuous desires arising
from our six sense doors. Once we are mindful we
will know the evil of the concept of ‘I’. We will be
able to meditate and see ‘rising and falling’ with
clarity. From then on deep insight will be attained,
and hopefully we may reach the first stage of ara-
hatship, known as sotàpanna. We must renounce
the wrong view of self and become selfless.
However, there is no certainty that anyone will be
reborn into the happy planes. Many instances have
been documented and talked about by various
authorities and ordinary people in what they them-
60. 59
selves believe are near-death experiences. They
have described what they have seen, which corre-
sponds with other unrelated instances: description
of guardians of the hell realms and the tremendous
heat there are so similar, and experienced in differ-
ent spans of time and places, as to exclude any
form of collusion.
Many people do not want to hear the realities of the
realms of hell because they are fearful of the uncer-
tainties of hell. Is it real or is it superstition? They
are full of anxieties and doubts, they choose to
ignore the facts, believing in the edict ‘ignorance is
bliss’ or due to a guilty conscience over dark mat-
ters deep in their minds. These are fatalistic people
who only see the negative side of any situation.
They fail to realise that the beginning of fear can
lead to wisdom; the wisdom to stop doing unwhole-
some actions and start doing good.
All beings reap the fruits of the seeds they sow and
are given rebirth by and according to their kammic
results. No deity of any sort controls the birth and
death of any beings. It is only their kammic ener-
gies that condition the rebirth of beings. The good
or bad kamma will determine the happy or suffer-
61. 60
ing planes that they will find rebirth in. Make haste
to do good, check your mind for evil. If one is not
energetically doing good, one’s mind will subcon-
sciously be thinking of evil thoughts. The mind has
a tendency to gravitate towards unwholesome
thoughts, and if one were to let it alone it would
start looking for dirt. Refrain from evil deeds.
Should one be contemplating unwholesome
thoughts, now is the time to stop. One should not
find pleasure in evil; brush off even a simple act of
evil. Buddha says there will be painful suffering if
one does not stop contemplating doing unwhole-
some deeds.
In the process of performing good deeds, the
thoughts of evil or unwholesome actions will not
enter one’s mind. When the merits of one’s good
deeds ripen, one will enjoy great happiness.
A lot of people do not want to believe that there is
hell. They want to believe that hell is only a con-
cept. If a person commits any crime he will be
arrested by the authorities and be punished, and
that is all there is to it. There is no such thing as
atoning for committing bad deeds when on your
deathbed. Some people may use this excuse to
62. 61
assuage their conscience. As an answer and con-
solation to their sufferings, they will find various
reasons for their happiness; they will believe that
happiness is what they have achieved on their own.
With their achievement and money they believe
they can have what they desire. This happens in
any age and time. One such instance is given in the
following paragraph:
In the time of the Buddha, there were four very
wealthy men. They were so rich they did not know
what to do with their money. So they decided to use
their wealth in the pursuit of sensuous pleasures
with women. They would look for beautiful women,
marry them and, having become tired of them,
would pay them off and get rid of them. If they were
not able to marry them, these four men would kid-
nap and rape them, and then pay them off. They
were able to get away with these atrocities because
of the circle of sycophantic cronies their wealth at-
tracted, who were able to keep them out of trouble
if caught by the authorities. Thus they used their
wealth to buy themselves out of trouble in their
present lifetime, but how would they possibly fare
reaping the results of these unwholesome deeds in
their future existences?
63. 62
In the four woeful planes of existence too, beings
have the five senses: they see, hear, smell, taste
and touch. However, their faculties can only be
conscious of suffering! Their existence in the lower
planes has suffering as the sole objective, there is
no occasion for happiness, sense of pleasure, recre-
ation or performance of any deeds that cause hap-
piness. Beings here are also unable to choose to do
good, hence they do not have any opportunities to
accumulate merits. Their consciousness is only for
suffering. They cannot choose to do one iota of
good! They can only suffer, so much suffering that
the Buddha said: “...it is hard to find a simile for
the suffering in hell.”
Even so, the Buddha gave the following simile:
“Suppose bhikkhus, men caught a robber culprit
and presented him to the king… and the king said:
“go and strike the man in the morning with a hun-
dred spears.” And they struck him in the morning
with a hundred spears. Finding him still alive in the
afternoon, the king ordered that he be struck again
with a hundred spears and again in the evening.
“What do you think, bhikkhus? Would that man ex-
perience pain and grief because of being struck
with three hundred spears?” the bhikkhus replied
64. 63
in the affirmative… “So too, bhikkhus, the pain and
grief that the man would experience because of be-
ing struck with the three hundred spears does not
count beside the suffering of hell; it is not even a
fraction, there is no comparison.”
The Buddha further elaborated on just a fraction of
the fruits of evil deeds:
“Now the wardens of hell torture him with the five-
fold transfixing. They drive a red-hot iron stake
through one hand, they drive a red-hot iron stake
through the other hand, they drive a red-hot iron
stake through one foot, they drive a red-hot iron
stake through the other foot, they drive a red-hot
iron stake through his belly. There he feels painful,
racking, piercing feelings. Yet he does not die so
long as that evil action has not exhausted its result.
“Next the wardens of hell throw him down and pare
him with axes. There he feels painful, racking,
piercing feelings. Yet he does not die so long as that
evil action has not exhausted its result.
“Next the wardens of hell set him with his feet up
and his head down and pare him with adzes. There
65. 64
he feels painful, racking, piercing feelings. Yet he
does not die so long as that evil action has not ex-
hausted its result.
“Next the wardens of hell harness him to a chariot
and drive him back and forth across burning
ground, blazing and glowing. There he feels painful,
racking, piercing feelings. Yet he does not die so
long as that evil action has not exhausted its result.
“Next the wardens of hell make him climb up and
down a great mound of burning coals, blazing and
glowing. There he also feels painful, racking and
piercing feelings. Yet he does not die so long as that
evil action has not exhausted its result.
“Next the wardens of hell take him feet up and head
down and plunge him into a red-hot metal caul-
dron, burning, blazing and glowing. He is cooked
there in a swirl of froth. And as he is being cooked
there in a swirl of froth, he is swept now up, now
down, now across. There he feels painful, racking,
piercing feelings. Yet he does not die so long as that
evil action has not exhausted its result.
“Next the wardens of hell throw him into the Great
Hell. Now as to that Great Hell, bhikkhus:
66. 65
It has four corners and is built
With four doors, one set in each side,
Walled up with iron and all around
And shut in with an iron roof.
Its floor as well is made of iron
And heated till it glows with fire.
The range is a full hundred leagues
Which it covers all-pervasively.
Yes, hell is very real indeed. It can be likened to a
huge furnace, flames shooting out from all sides in-
cluding top and bottom. Doors lead to and from
this furnace like chambers. There are altogether
eight chambers. The flames are constantly burning
and there is no switch to shut off the flame and the
tremendous heat. Ledi Sayadaw, who is known to
be very advanced in his practice, says that those
beings in hell have their bones, nerves, flesh, heart,
lungs, brains etc. burning hot, and the skins are so
hot that flames shoot out from them. In hell they
will remain for hundreds of thousands of years,
even millions of years or trillions, descillions of
years2. There they will remain experiencing
sufferings. There are many beings in hell, just like
mustard seeds packed into a bamboo tube.
2. trillions = 1 followed by 18 zeros;
descillions = 1 followed by 60 zeros.
67. 66
“Bhikkhus, I could tell you in many ways about
hell. So much so that it is hard to find a simile
for the suffering in hell.” (Majjhima Nikàya
129.7; for more descriptions of the results of
wrong deeds, see Visudhimagga I.156)
Thus said the Buddha: the suffering in hell is great
indeed. Being forewarned by no less a person than
the Buddha, we humans have the good fortune to be
able to choose our course of action in this present
existence, to determine in a big way the degree of
happiness or suffering in our future existences.
Ledi Sayadaw has explained all this very clearly. He
further said that, ‘among the beings in this world,
all have a myriad of evil kamma in them’. We have
in us to a greater or lesser extent, conditioned by
actions of previous existences, residues or accumu-
lated defilements of anger, greed and delusion and
we may not understand the true Dhamma, as we
may not have been in contact with a Buddha
sàsana!
During our long stay in the hell regions, we have
been conditioned by many unwholesome character-
istics which stay with us in our rebirth in the hu-
68. 67
man existence. Some babies when they are born
are badly behaved, they cry for anything, they
throw tantrums very often and even to the extent of
throwing away their milk bottles! They need super-
vision constantly and they need attention all the
time. Some are really well-behaved and obedient.
Why the difference? Those that are unruly have
been reborn after a lengthy period in hell, after be-
ing in hell and in constant sufferings, they have
been conditioned accordingly. Human life span is
between seventy to a hundred years, compared to
the life span of the different levels of hell that some
beings are freed from. Due to their good kamma
ripening, they are now reborn in the human plane.
The most important consideration is that we must
not succumb to evil actions or deeds, otherwise we
will find ourselves in the hell regions. Once we are
in hell all the unwholesome actions will create the
right conditions and opportunities for bad kamma
to arise. So evil kamma after evil kamma will arise.
In certain cases, having passed away one goes to
hell, having then passed away while in hell, one
may be reborn again and again in hell or other woe-
ful states for many existences. All our actions and
69. 68
deeds, though unseen by anybody, or any agencies,
will never escape the effects of kamma. Kamma will
take us to the many existences that are our just
desserts. It has no distinctions or preferences. Our
deeds and actions are known by kamma and in due
season will reward us with what is due. Even kings,
emperors, gods, devas, beggars and humans and
all beings are answerable to their kamma.
By the same token if in our lifetime we have per-
formed wholesome deeds, kamma will be responsi-
ble to see that good things come to us. Kamma will
see to it that at the appropriate time just rewards
will come to us, in the present life or in lives to
come. The right conditions must prevail to reap
what we have sown.
Ledi Sayadaw has said that all the unwholesome
deeds done by human beings are mostly due to de-
lusions we harbour, and these delusions can only
be eradicated by meditation. When we meditate we
will realise the non-existence of ‘I’, me, you or mine.
Once we have realised that, most of the delusions
will not arise in us, in which case we will have at-
tained sotàpatti, the first step towards our final
goal. Once we pass away in this stage, we will not
70. 69
be reborn into any woeful states and we will assur-
edly be reborn as a human, not an ordinary hu-
man, but an intelligent human!
***
Samsàra is a Pàli word which means the cycle of
existences. It is based on life, death and rebirth and
the chain of cause and effect. Because we die with
desire, aversion and confusion, we can’t let go of
life; this tenacity propels us into a new existence
according to the quality of our minds at the time of
death. This death moment determines the nature of
the next existence and so we may be reborn into a
pleasant or unpleasant existence. We are reborn
with a pre-existing disposition or inclination, which
explains why we all have individual characters right
from birth. The Buddha fully understood the natu-
ral way that beings constantly perpetuate their own
sufferings from life to life. He taught that if we
could completely purify the minds of selfish attach-
ment we would be self-liberated and experience the
peace and freedom of Nibbàna (enlightenment), the
cessation of suffering and the end of rebirth, the
end of saüsàra. For to be reborn again and again is
to experience untold suffering and misery. For the
Buddha asked:
71. 70
“Which is greater, the tears that were shed
from existence to existence while wandering
this saüsàra, crying and weeping from being
joined with what is displeasing, being sepa-
rated from what is pleasing, or the waters in
the four great oceans?” The Buddha gave the
answer that the tears shed were truly greater.
“Long have you repeatedly experienced the
death of a mother. The tears you have shed
over the death of a mother while wandering
this long, long saüsàra, crying and weeping
from being joined with what is displeasing, be-
ing separated from what is pleasing, are
greater than the waters in the four great
oceans.”
“Long have you repeatedly experienced the
death of a father... the death of a brother... the
death of a sister... the death of a son... the
death of a daughter... loss with regard to rela-
tives... loss with regard to wealth... loss with
regard to disease. The tears you have shed
over loss with regard to disease while wander-
ing this long, long time, crying and weeping
from being joined with what is displeasing, be-
72. 71
ing separated from what is pleasing, are
greater than the waters in the four great
oceans.”
“Why is that? From an inconstruable begin-
ning comes birth. A beginning point is not evi-
dent, though beings hindered by ignorance
and fettered by craving are being reborn re-
peatedly. Long have you thus experienced
stress, experienced pain, experienced loss,
swelling the cemeteries, enough to become dis-
enchanted with all fabricated things, enough
to become dispassionate, enough to be re-
leased.” (Saüyutta Nikàya, Part II, XV.3)
This brings us to the question: how enduring is
saüsàra; is there a beginning and does it end? Is it
eternal or not eternal?3 These selfsame questions
and others were contemplated by the monk
Malunkyaputta, and he went to the Buddha with
3. A group of astronomers stated in The Early Universe,
a paper in the Atlas of the Universe that they worked
out a theory to be called the continuous-creation or
steady-state theory, in which they picture the universe
as having no beginning and never coming to an end;
there is an infinite past and an infinite future.
73. 72
the intention of getting an answer from Him or else
he would not continue being a monk (Majjhima
Nikàya 63). The Buddha refused to give him an
answer but rather declared that He could not see
any conceivable point where the beginning was and
the ending thereof.
To render a simile of the timelessness of saüsàra,
He turned to the group of monks He was address-
ing and enquired of them which they thought was
greater: the mother’s milk they had drunk in the
course of their long travels in saüsàra or the wa-
ters of the four great oceans of the world. He stated
that the mother’s milk they had drunk was the
greater, thus demonstrating the lengthy duration of
saüsàra.
Therefore it would appear that we have wandered in
saüsàra from birth to death, from death to rebirth,
again and again for so great a number of a
eons that
should we have been conscious of it we would
surely have stopped doing so. He further said to
Malunkyaputta why He had not made known the
answers to those questions: “And why, Malunkya-
putta have I not made known the answers to your
questions? Because it is not beneficial and does not
belong to the fundamentals to leading a holy life, it
74. 73
does not lead to dispassion and disenchantment, to
cessation, to peace and to Nibbàna. Thus have I not
declared it to you.” The Buddha knew many things
but He did not want to burden people with unnec-
essary knowledge that did not serve to lead them to
Nibbàna.
Why do we wander in saüsàra?
“It’s because of not understanding and not pene-
trating four things that you and I have wandered on
for such a long, long time. Which four? Suffering,
the cause of suffering, the cessation of suffering
and the path leading to the cessation of suffering
(ie. the Noble Eightfold Path).”
“But when noble virtue is understood and pene-
trated, when noble concentration, noble discern-
ment, noble release is understood and penetrated,
then craving for becoming is destroyed; the guide to
becoming (craving and attachment) is ended; there
is now no further becoming.” Therefore, the ending
of saüsàra is the attainment of the state of
Nibbàna, cessation of all suffering.
***
75.
76. 75
The 31 Planes Of Existence
Formless Realms (aråpa-loka)
Form Realms (råpa-loka)
REALMS COMMENTS Cause of Rebirth
(31)
Sphere of Neither-perception-nor-
non-perception
(nevasa¤¤ànàsa¤¤àyatanupaga deva)
The inhab-
itants of
these
realms are
possessed
entirely of
mind.
Having no
physical
body, they
are unable
to hear
Dhamma
teachings.
Fourth
formless
jhàna
(30)
Sphere of Nothingness
(àki¤ca¤¤àyatanupaga deva)
Third
formless
jhàna
(29)
Sphere of Infinite Consciousness
(vi¤¤àõa¤càyatanupaga deva)
Second
formless
jhàna
(28)
Sphere of Infinite Space
(àkàsana¤càyatanupaga deva)
First
formless
jhàna
REALMS COMMENTS Cause of
Rebirth
(27)
Peerless devas (akaniññha deva)
These are the five
Pure Abodes (sud-
dhàvàsa), which
are accessible only
to (anàgàmã) and
arahants. Beings
who become non-
returners in other
planes are reborn
here, where they
attain arahantship.
Fourth
jhàna
(26)
Clear-sighted devas (sudassã deva)
(25)
Beautiful devas (sudassa deva)
(24)
Untroubled devas (atappa deva)
(23)
Durable devas (aviha deva)
77. 76
Table 1:
Table 2:
Table 3:
Table 4:
Table 5:
Table 6:
REALMS COMMENTS Cause of Rebirth
(22)
Mindless devas
(asannasatta)
Only body is
present, no mind. Fourth
jhàna
(21)
Very Fruitful devas
(vehapphala deva)
Beings in
these planes
enjoy varying
degrees
of jhanic.
(20)
Devas of Radiant Glory
(subhakiõõa deva)
Third
jhàna
(higher degree)
(19)
Devas of Unbounded Glory
(appamàõàsubha deva)
Third
jhàna
(medium degree)
(18)
Devas of Limited Glory
(parittàsubha deva)
Third
jhàna
(minor degree)
(17)
Devas of Streaming Radiance
(àbhassara deva)
Second
jhàna
(higher degree)
(16)
Devas of Unbounded Radiance
(appamànàbha deva)
Second
jhàna
(medium degree)
(15)
Devas of Limited Radiance
(parittàbha deva)
Second
jhàna
(minor degree)
78. 77
Table 7:
Table 8:
Table 9:
Table 10:
Table 11:
Table 12:
Table 13:
Table 14:
REALMS COMMENTS Cause of Rebirth
(14)
Great Brahmas
(Mahà brahma)
Two of this realm’s
more famous inhabi-
tants are the Great
Brahma, a deity whose
delusion leads him to
regard himself as the
all-powerful, all-seeing
creator of the universe
(see DN 11), and
Brahma Sahampati,
who begs the Buddha to
teach the Dhamma to
the world.
First
jhàna
(higher degree)
(13)
Ministers of Brahma
(Brahma-purohità deva)
Beings in
these planes
enjoy varying
degrees
of jhanic.
First
jhàna
(medium degree)
(12)
Retinue of Brahma
(Brahma-pàrisajjà deva)
First
jhàna
(minor degree)
79. 78
The Sensual World (kàma-loka)
REALMS COMMENTS Cause of
Rebirth
(11)
Devas Wielding Power Over
the Creation of Others
(paranimmitavasavatti deva)
Only body is present,
These devas enjoy
sense pleasures created
by others for them.
Màra, the personifica-
tion of delusion and de-
sire, lives here.
• (refer to
‘What
Buddhists
Believe’ by
K. Sri
Dhamma -
nanda)
• Generosity
(10)
Devas Delighting in Creation
(nimmànarati deva)
These devas delight in
the sense objects of
their own creation.
(9)
Contented devas
(tusita deva)
A realm of pure delight
and gaiety. Bodhisattas
abide here prior to
their final human
birth.
(8)
Yama devas
(yàma deva)
These devas live in
the air, free of all
difficulties.
(7)
The Thirty-three Gods
(tàvatimsa deva)
Sakka (Indra), a devo-
tee of the Buddha,
presides over this
realm. Many devas
dwelling here live in
mansions in the air.
(6)
Devas of the Four Great
Kings (catumaharajika deva)
Home of the gand-
habbas, the celestial
musicians, and the
yakkas, tree spirits of
varying degrees of
ethical purity.
80. 79
REALMS COMMENTS Cause of Rebirth
(5)
Human beings
(manussa loka)
You are here (for now).
Rebirth as a human be-
ing is extraordinarily
rare (see SN LVI.48). It
is also extraordinarily
precious, as its unique
mix of pleasure and
pain facilitates the de-
velopment of virtue and
wisdom to the degree
necessary to set one
free from the entire.
• The development of
virtue and wisdom.
The attainment of
guarantees that all
future rebirths will
be in the human or
higher realms.
(4)
Demons
(asura)
The demons “titans”
that dwell here are en-
gaged in relentless con-
flict with one another. • refer to ‘What
Buddhists Believe’
by K. Sri Dhamma-
nanda)
(3)
Hungry Ghosts
(peta loka)
Ghosts and unhappy
spirits wander hope-
lessly about this realm,
searching in vain for
fulfilment.
(2)
Animals
(tiracchana yoni)
This realm includes all
the non-human forms
of life that are visible to
us under ordinary cir-
cumstances: animals,
insects, fish, birds,
worms, etc.
• Ten unwholesome
actions.
• Behaving like an
animal.
(1)
Hell
(niraya)
These are realms of un-
imaginable suffering
and anguish (described
in graphic detail in MN
129 and 130). Should
not be confused with
the eternal hell pro-
posed by other reli-
gions, since one’s time
here is – as it is in every
realm – temporary.
• Ten unwholesome
actions.
• Murdering one’s
parents, murdering
an arahant, injuring
the Buddha, or
creating a schism in
the Sangha
• Being quarrelsome
and annoying to
others.
81.
82. 81
Sources
Buddhist Dictionary, by Nyanatiloka Mahàthera
(Kandy: Buddhist Publication Society, 1980).
The Buddhist Religion: A Historical Introduction
(fourth edition), by R. H. Robinson & W.L. Johnson
(Belmont, California: Wadsworth, 1996).
The Long Discourses of the Buddha, translated
by Maurice Walshe (Boston: Wisdom Publications,
1987).
A Manual of Abhidhamma, by Ven. Narada Thera
The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha,
translated by Bhikkhu ¥anamoli and Bhikkhu Bodhi
(Boston: Wisdom Publications, 1995).
Teacher of the Devas (Wheel Publication 414/
416), by Susan Elbaum Jootla (Kandy: Buddhist
Publication Society, 1997).
The Three Worlds (wall chart), compiled by Ven.
âcàra Suvanno Mahàthera, (printed for free distri-
bution by devotees).
83. 82
Cassette Tapes of 31 Planes of Existence by Ven.
âcàra Suvanno Mahàthera.
Abhidhamma in Daily Life by Ashin Janakabhi-
vamsa; translated and edited by U Ko Lay and re-
vised by Sayadaw U Sãlànanda.
Atlas of the Universe. Published by Cambridge
University Press 1998.
“bhor jhow si”
Hokkien
dialect
“bhor jhow si — not
running away is death”
The Venerbable âcàra
Suvanno Mahàthera
84. 83
Collection Of Suvanno’s Sayings:
Bhante Suvanno, as he is known by his thousands
of devotees, friends and students started life as an
unwanted waif, motherless and practically home-
less, with stray cats and dogs as his playmates. He
grew up to be counted as one of the pioneers of
Theravada Buddhism in Malaysia. His contribution
to the spread of the sisana is worthy of note.
In a life largely devoted to the practice of the
Buddha’s teachings, he has done well scholarly;
married and raised a family, saw his daughters
grew up; married them off and have grand children,
only then did he renounce at the age of 60 to finally
take up the holy life.
“bhor jhow si — not running away is death”
This saying was orginally coined by Bhante
Suvanno on meeting a fellow monk as a form of
friendly greeting.
The intrinsic meaning is: “not getting away from
saüsàra is to return to the round of rebirth and
hence suffering.”
85. 84
Bhante Suvanno gives us ample warning of the
need to search ourselves and make ready for the
day when we have to go to another world, to harvest
the fruits of the seed we have planted in this
present time. Should we be found wanting and end
up in the woeful planes, where there is no let up in
the suffering we must endure or, if we have taken
heed of this advice, we may be transported to the
worlds where sensual pleasures are beyond our im-
agination. Better still, if we take notice of the warn-
ings in real earnest we may never have to return to
any worlds, but be totally liberated. The choice is
yours to make. Make a wise choice!
The answer may be just a book away!
“Imagine someone searching for some under-
standing, some answer to the confusion of life.
This person knows that things aren’t quite
right. There must be better ways to live one’s
life than this. She or he searches and picks up
yet another book and, lo and behold, finds the
answer to his or her quest ~ That’s It! ~ and
life changes forever.” — Venerable ¥ànadassi
86. 85
An Inward Journey Book comes to you as a free
Dhamma publication. This book is designed and
published by Inward Path Publisher (IPP), which
aims at disseminating the Buddha’s noble teach-
ings of Wisdom and Compassion to people from all
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87. 86
Happy are the well-doers here and hereafter
Here he rejoices
he rejoices hereafter.
In both worlds
the merit-maker rejoices.
He rejoices, is jubilant,
seeing the purity
of his deeds.
Here he delights
he delights hereafter.
In both worlds
the merit-maker delights.
He delights at the thought,
“I’ve made merit.”
Having gone to a good destination,
he delights
all the more.
Buddha, Dhammapada Verses 16 & 18
(Translations by Thanissaro Bhikkhu)
Sabbadànaü Dhammadànaü jinàti.
The gift of Truth surpasses all gifts.
89. 88
Front & back cover designs and all charts to be
used with permission from Inward Path.
Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia
Cataloguing-in-Publication Data
Jinavaüsa
The thirty-one planes of existence : as
transcribed from Bhante Suvanno’s
cassette recordings / by Jinavaüsa.
– New ed.
(An Inward journey book; IJ058/01)
ISBN 983-9439-57-X
1. Buddhism–Customs and practices.
2. Buddhism–Doctrines. I. Title. II. Series.
294.34
Book layout by Sunanda Lim
Printed in Penang, Malaysia
May the merits accruing from this Dhammadàna
be to the well-being and happiness of
all donors, departed ones and all beings.
May all beings be liberated from suffering.