The 31 Planes of Existence

Buddhist Cosmology (9): Hell Realm

Bhante Anandajoti: The Planes of Existence (1 hour 17 minutes)

The 31 Planes of Existence: Buddhist Abhidhamma Explained (17 minutes)

The 31 planes of existence in Buddhism are realms where beings can be reborn based on their kamma (intentions & actions), ranging from intense suffering in the hell realms to bliss in the heavens and formless realms. These planes are divided into three main worlds: the Sensuous World (Kamaloka) with unhappy states (like hell, animal, and hungry ghosts) and happy states (like the human realm and the deva realms); the Fine-Material World (Rupaloka) of pure form, and the Immaterial World (Arupa-loka) of formless beings.  

I. The Sensuous World (Kama-loka)

This realm involves sensory experiences and desires. 

Unfortunate Destinations (Apaya):

1. Hell Realms (Niraya): Worlds of extreme suffering, where beings are punished for unwholesome intentions and actions. 

2. Animal Realms (Tiracchāna): Worlds inhabited by animals, driven by instincts and suffering. 

3. Hungry Ghost Realms (Peta): Worlds of beings perpetually suffering from extreme hunger and thirst, unable to satisfy their cravings. 

4. Asura Realms: Worlds of "titans" or demons, often characterized by conflict. 

Happy Destinations:

5. Human Realm (Manussa-loka): A place of mixed suffering and happiness, where one can cultivate virtue and progress on the spiritual path. 

6. Heavenly Realms (26 out of 31 realms):

Six Heavenly Realms (Deva-loka): Realms of god-like beings who experience great pleasure, but whose existence is still temporary. 

II. The Fine-Material World (Rupa-loka)

These are realms of pure, refined form, experienced by beings who have achieved jhana (meditative absorptions). 

Third Jhana Devas: Devas of Limited Glory, Unbounded Glory, and Refulgent Glory. 

Second Jhana Devas: Devas of Limited Radiance, Unbounded Radiance, and Streaming Radiance. 

First Jhana Devas: Devas of Brahma's Retinue and the Great Brahma. 

III. The Immaterial World (Arupa-loka)

These are the highest realms, inhabited by beings of pure consciousness, not even a body is present, only mind. 

Formless Realms (Arupa-brahma-loka): Realms of formless beings, attained by the highest levels of meditative concentration, including the infinity of space, consciousness, nothingness, and the realm of neither perception nor non-perception.