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6 realms question.

  • 22-12-2015 1:38pm
    #1
    Registered Users Posts: 1,100 ✭✭✭


    Hello,

    I am currently not someone who would identify as a Buddhist. However, my learning, understanding, and awareness tend to lead me in the same direction as many of the Buddhist teachings for about the last 10 years. There's much truth in the teachings i find.

    Recently i decided to simply study Buddhism.

    Whilst reading about the 6 realms. I believe i understand what is being said, however there is a part I have learned differently.
    The realms are fascinating to learn about, I've learnt about them in different ways in my life which perhaps is why I have arrived at similar answers yet different perspective.

    The material I find on the realms seems to indicate a 'separation' between the realms. As if a person is born into one, or conditioned into one of them etc.
    From learning about the realms, my own experience has taught me that I am in all of these realms. To various levels of course. I've been leaving these realms as I grow.. but i found it surprising that it seems the teachings indicate a "or" rather than a context of "and".

    The hell realm for instance. I've spent time there, I've carried that realm in me. In my younger years I lived more there than others.
    The hungry ghost realm. That realm I am leaving yet only because I'm clearly still in it. The constant cycle of desires. Mine was money and security, recognition for my 'unappreciated greatness' lol.
    Then there's no way I could not confess my less intense but consistent home in the asura realm!

    I've met narcissists and understand them because i learnt o understand that side of myself. I've repeated that process within myself with anything i encounter.

    The realms certainly correlate to personality types i've witnessed. There can be a major over influencing realm in people. It just seems more likely we exist in all of them to me. I guess its just meant as guidance rather than a catch all type. The mind! how it loves its black and white! :)

    Would anyone be open to discussing this difference in perspective?
    I'd like to hear other peoples opinions on their perspective on the topic.

    Thank you.

    Ray


Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 1,100 ✭✭✭manonboard


    It was just occurring to me there that the non human realms seem to have a correlation with the cycles creating through all that ego driven motives. When one tries to alter things based on fears (fear of loss of desires, ego identity, etc).

    I follow many teachings from Vernon Howard, who helps teach me to let go my identity. It's helped me leave this realms into a more present presence type of living without reacting to the silly mind games my head constructs.

    That state seems to be more in-line with the human realm.

    I wonder if the meaning of 'previous life' etc is just a way of expressing: when doing things not of the now, but of a past narrative.
    eg: You did this to me, so now i'll do this to you. Or
    eg: I want my future life to look like this, it must! I fear it not, so i'll try force that (future life). Or
    eg: In the past, this happened, I wont go back to that (some pain), it makes me scared, I identified with the past, so now i act like that is me (past life).

    The human realm could represent dropping all those narratives, just being now, failing and learning. Eventually allowing that enlightenment process.


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