Buddhist cosmology

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Buddhist cosmology refers to the description of the shape and structure of the universe according to the Buddhist tradition. It is a complex system that includes multiple realms and planes of existence, each with its own characteristics and inhabitants. This cosmology is deeply intertwined with Buddhist teachings on karma, rebirth, and the path to enlightenment.

Structure of the Universe

Buddhist cosmology divides the universe into three main realms, known as the Three Realms or Three Worlds:

Kamadhatu

The Desire Realm is the lowest of the three realms and is characterized by the presence of desire and sensual pleasures. It includes several sub-realms:

• Deva Realm: The realm of gods and heavenly beings.
• Asura Realm: The realm of demigods or titans, often depicted as being in constant conflict.
• Human Realm: The realm of humans, considered the most favorable for attaining enlightenment.
• Animal Realm: The realm of animals, characterized by ignorance and suffering.
• Hungry Ghost Realm: The realm of hungry ghosts, beings tormented by insatiable hunger and thirst.
• Hell Realm: The realm of hells, where beings suffer intense pain and torment.

Rupadhatu

The Form Realm is a higher realm where beings have form but are free from sensual desires. It is divided into four levels, each associated with a particular state of meditative absorption (Dhyana).

Arupadhatu

The Formless Realm is the highest realm, where beings exist without physical form. It consists of four sub-levels, each corresponding to a higher state of meditative absorption:

• Realm of Infinite Space
• Realm of Infinite Consciousness
• Realm of Nothingness
• Realm of Neither Perception nor Non-Perception

Mount Meru

At the center of the Buddhist universe lies Mount Meru, a massive, sacred mountain that serves as the axis mundi. Surrounding Mount Meru are several concentric continents and oceans, with the human realm located on the southern continent, Jambudvipa.

Kalachakra

The concept of Kalachakra (Wheel of Time) is also significant in Buddhist cosmology. It represents the cyclical nature of time and the universe, encompassing both the macrocosm and the microcosm.

Related Concepts

• Samsara: The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
• Karma: The law of moral causation.
• Nirvana: The ultimate goal of liberation from the cycle of samsara.
• Bodhisattva: A being who seeks enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings.

See Also

• Buddhism
• Deva (Buddhism)
• Samsara (Buddhism)
• Karma in Buddhism
• Nirvana (Buddhism)
• Bodhisattva
• Mount Meru
• Kalachakra