Six Realms of Existence

The Six Realms of Existence originate from Buddhist cosmology, describing different states of existence that beings can experience based on karma. These realms are gods (Devas), demigods (Asuras), humans, animals, hungry ghosts (Pretas), and hell beings. Each realm reflects a particular mental state and level of suffering or pleasure—gods enjoy happiness, demons are driven by conflict, humans experience a mix of pleasure and pain, animals act out instinct and ignorance, hungry ghosts suffer from insatiable desire, and hell beings endure intense torment. Moving through these realms illustrates the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth driven by one’s karma.