What are ghosts?

Archeron

Hi all.
Just a little weird question. I often wonder what, within the teachings of Buddhism, are ghosts?
I ask this because I have on numerous occasions in my life been witness to, for lack of a better phrase, other worldly activity. (very boring for the most part).
Now I am not a nut, or a crank, and I would not not tell very many people about the odd things I have seen because I know how most people feel on the matter, but I know in my heart WHAT I seen, and I do not doubt it.
I know that there is the generally accepted societal theory of "ghosts" and some people believe, and some people don't, but within the teachings of Buddhism, is there a reason for such things, or is it considered hallucination on behalf of those who see them?
Thanks.

18AD

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reality_in_Buddhism

You're hallucinations are real. Just as reality is a hallucination.

The only mention of ghosts in buddhism I have seen is from the Wheel of Life:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheel_of_life

Using this description of the realm of ghosts:
http://www.tientai.net/teachings/dharma/6realms/fa2.htm

The ghosts are deceptive creatures. So they are an aspect of yourself that appear to be seperate from you.
On the wheel they are depicted as having a realm, meaning that they do exist in some sense.
The symbol of the closed neck meaning that they cannot sustain themselves. They don't exist if you don't constantly feed them. So they are not inherently a part of you.

Of course, this is only my interpretation.

All the best.
AD.

Archeron

Interesting links AD, thanks.
What makes me wonder though, is that in all but one of the instances, there was nothing dark or malicious about what I seen, so I dont understand how these sightings could be hungry ghosts.
I am presuming that a hungry ghost, or a greedy spirit would probably look quite angry, forlorn, or upset, but what I seen was calm and peaceful people.

The only occasion where anger did play a part was in an instance where I didnt actually see the phenomonon, just experienced its effects on the room I was in. That was quite a violent incident in fairness, but in all other cases, the "ghosts" that I saw actually looked quite serene and content.

By what you say in "they cannot sustain themselves without me feeding them", what constitutes feeding them? Could it be the fact that my mind is actually open to seeing them? As I say, I've had numerous experiences through my life which has left me quite open minded on such matters, so perhaps I see them because I am willing to see them?

Although, if "falsehood and deception are components of this realm", then perhaps I am seeing what they want me to see and there is an ulterior motive for my seeing them in the first place?

18AD

I just noticed (using the previous links) that on the asura realm are also known as frightened ghosts but would seem to be much more gracious in nature. Yet they seek greatness and that's what holds them back.

Feeding them I would imagine is when for instance something annoys you. The event feeds the ghost, possibly the ghost of annoyance.
Or if something makes you happy. The event feeds the ghost of happiness.

I'd hazzard a guess that they are anthropomorphised projections of your own inner workings. Maybe you're trying to tell yourself something by making it very clear.

There is always the possibility that the translation to the word ghost is only a close approximation to the real meaning. So these are only based on that words link.

I suggest reading through the stuff and find something that strikes a chord with you. Just be honest to yourself really.

Myths of the Asuras:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asura_%28Buddhism%29

Interesting:
http://www.gio.gov.tw/info/festival_c/ghost_e/ghost.htm

Good luck.
AD.

stomprockin

Archeron wrote: »

Hi all.
Just a little weird question. I often wonder what, within the teachings of Buddhism, are ghosts?
I ask this because I have on numerous occasions in my life been witness to, for lack of a better phrase, other worldly activity. (very boring for the most part).
Now I am not a nut, or a crank, and I would not not tell very many people about the odd things I have seen because I know how most people feel on the matter, but I know in my heart WHAT I seen, and I do not doubt it.
I know that there is the generally accepted societal theory of "ghosts" and some people believe, and some people don't, but within the teachings of Buddhism, is there a reason for such things, or is it considered hallucination on behalf of those who see them?
Thanks.

hi Archeron
hope im not late in replying to your question on ghosts.
within the teachings of Buddhism,my understanding is that what you saw was real! the ghosts you saw where looking for your help! I was speaking to my wife about this (who is a thai buddhist)and she said that you may need to give some food ,any food and pray.

Archeron

stomprockin wrote: »

hi Archeron
hope im not late in replying to your question on ghosts.
within the teachings of Buddhism,my understanding is that what you saw was real! the ghosts you saw where looking for your help! I was speaking to my wife about this (who is a thai buddhist)and she said that you may need to give some food ,any food and pray.

Interesting, thanks for replying. What purpose does the food serve? I never actually thought to pray when I encountered these people/things (except for the scary one, I did pray after that as I had to walk home through a dark forest edged field afterwards!).

stomprockin

Hi Archeron

first i need a little bit more information in regards to what you saw or experienced and how often,and where?
i was talking with some friends mine and thay wanted to know if you saw the same ghost all the time?

the purpose of the food is that what you saw could be hungry,and that it is a good gesture and everybody feels happy,you and what you saw..

p..........

Archeron

stomprockin wrote: »

Hi Archeron

first i need a little bit more information in regards to what you saw or experienced and how often,and where?
i was talking with some friends mine and thay wanted to know if you saw the same ghost all the time?

the purpose of the food is that what you saw could be hungry,and that it is a good gesture and everybody feels happy,you and what you saw..

p..........

Hey stomprockin. I'll PM you more info over the weekend. Wouldnt want to post too much detail here in case the good folk in this forum think I'm mad!
thanks

6th

18AD wrote: »

The ghosts are deceptive creatures. So they are an aspect of yourself that appear to be seperate from you.
On the wheel they are depicted as having a realm, meaning that they do exist in some sense.
The symbol of the closed neck meaning that they cannot sustain themselves. They don't exist if you don't constantly feed them. So they are not inherently a part of you.

Of course, this is only my interpretation.

All the best.
AD.

An excellent interpretation AD. I do believe that ghosts are created by people, albeit in most cases without their knowledge. Some energy practitioners would work with tuplas or thought forms - the entity is created to perform a particular task and once that is done the energy is reharnessed.

I believe that these entities can become self sustaining to a degree. Some people ask why, when a ghost or spirit is encountered can it not be asked questions about things we could not know about (such as life after death etc) my belief is that they dont have the answers as they are made from us and what we know and understand.

Sorry if thats a bit all over the place, I just thought I'd give my 2cent.

6th

To add I think it is possible to "create" ghosts and have witnessed this.