The 31 Planes of Existence by Suvanno Mahathera describes the ancient Buddhist concepts of planes in the context of karma, rebirth, samsara and meditation and realization. The 31 planes, as described in the Suttas, are divided into three subtypes of worlds:
1. Kama-Loka (the sensuous world) – 11 planes
2. Rupa-Loka (the world of form – the material world) – 16 planes
3. Arupa-Loka (the formless, immaterial world) – 4 planes.
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The 31 Planes of Existence
What are The 31 Planes of Existence in Buddhism?
In Buddhism, particularly within Theravada cosmology, the 31 Planes of Existence refer to different realms in which beings can be reborn based on their karma. These realms are divided into several categories ranging from realms of great suffering to realms of great bliss. Here’s a breakdown of these planes:
1. The Four Hellish Realms (Niraya)
These are realms of great suffering. Beings are reborn here due to bad karma from immoral actions.
2. Animal Realm (Tiracchāna-yoni)
This realm is characterized by ignorance and survival instincts, where beings are reborn as animals.
3. Realm of Hungry Ghosts (Peta-loka)
Beings in this realm suffer from extreme hunger and thirst. It is a place for those who were overly greedy or jealous in their past lives.
4. Asura Realm
Asuras are often considered demons or powerful beings who are never satisfied, often jealous of gods, and engaged in constant conflict.
5. Human Realm (Manussa-loka)
The human realm is considered favorable for spiritual growth because it offers both suffering and happiness, prompting spiritual inquiry.
6. The Six Heavenly Realms (Deva-loka)
These realms are inhabited by gods or celestial beings who experience great pleasure and have long lifespans. They are divided into:
- Cātummahārājika (Realm of the Four Great Kings)
- Tāvatiṃsa (Realm of the Thirty-Three Gods)
- Yāma (Realm of the Yama Gods)
- Tusita (Realm of Contentment)
- Nimmānaratī (Realm of the Gods Who Delight in Creating)
- Paranimmittavasavatti (Realm of the Gods Who Control Others’ Creations)
7. Form Sphere (Rūpa-dhātu)
Beings here are more refined and have subtle physical forms but no desires for sensual pleasures. These realms are further subdivided based on levels of meditative attainment:
- Brahma’s Retinue
- Brahma’s Ministers
- Great Brahmas
- Lesser Brahmā Realm
- Infinite Space
- Infinite Consciousness
- Nothingness
- Neither Perception Nor Non-Perception
8. Formless Sphere (Arūpa-dhātu)
These are the highest realms, where beings exist without physical form and experience very subtle levels of mind and meditation. These include:
- Sphere of Infinite Space
- Sphere of Infinite Consciousness
- Sphere of Nothingness
- Sphere of Neither Perception nor Non-Perception
The concept of the 31 Planes of Existence is important in Buddhist teaching as it outlines the wide range of experiences that karma can lead to, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct and spiritual development to achieve higher states of existence or ultimate liberation (nibbana).