The 31 Planes of Existence

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 (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):

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

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

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

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

Happy Destinations:

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

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.