This is my most favorite topic of Buddhism. I haven't heard anyone in the U.S talk about this topic at all since I came here. I'm so used to listen to dharma sermons from Mahayana Venerables in the East like Master Chin Kung. Thank you so much for this video.
Thank you for making such a clear, concise, and informative video on this topic. I’ve been studying Buddhism for a few years now and I have yet to explore the cosmology. I appreciate your effort in making this video for those of us who are beginning to walk the path. Amitofo!
Great teaching friend . Everything you said is true and real as thought by the Buddha. Very interesting about the purity land and it’s environment to eventually become a Buddha. In lay life and working six days a week. Gives me little time . I will take early retirement so I may train more . This salvation offered by the Buddha is very very very important . Thank you
Thank you so much for making these videos. They really are a pleasure to watch and your approach to these topics help make them less complicated and confusing for me. Seems I’m finding my footing a bit more.
Thank you for watching! Take your time and enjoy growing in the religion and practice. If you can, it can be a great opportunity to learn at a temple under monastics, even if that means a short trip. While not always possible, it might be a great option to explore.
In flower garland sutra, you will see Buddhist cosmology explained quite clearly (Buddha purposely didn't tell us too much information about it), you will see what sumeru mountain looks like, and what other world and being in other worlds are like. It's quite interesting
Thank you for this video, Alan. I listen to your podcast as well. I’m somewhat new to Buddhism and I have to admit that rebirth is where I struggle the most trying to understand. The realms of rebirth too. The struggle is in trying to figure out how, or even if, I’ll experience rebirth. I’m learning to let go of that expectation. Perhaps this is the way to understanding it a little more.
Thank you. Jason! You're not alone with rebirth (note I have an article on my website and video on it), because 'Westerners' don't have the background to readily accept it (and often, baggage from other beliefs). As with a lot of concepts in Buddhism, there's faith that is needed (or refuge, take your pick on wording here). This doesn't mean a blind faith (yes, you are to verify this on your own), but it's impossible to "get it" right away (or even after decades!). We put faith in the Buddha(s) that what they are telling us is the truth and path towards enlightenment (there's a whole structure and teaching to show what an authentic teaching is as it aligns with the Dharma, etc.). A lot will remain confusing for quite some time. I always like to compare it to a very dirty window that has caked on dirt, grime, discoloration, etc. This is the unimaginably long periods of rebirth where we are more and more clouded in ignorance and delusion. Being exposed to the Dharma is like a light rain on it...it doesn't clear it away with that first "sprinkle", but it may loosen a little piece where we can see clearly if only for a moment. These are flashes of enlightenment/wisdom ("Prajna"). The more effort (which can take lifetimes) the more that window gets "clearer". The Buddha is a great example where in his last lifetime, that window became spotless. Then, we see...clearly...what those "shadows" were on the other side of the glass. Our perceptions and assumptions are gone, and we fundamentally understand and are liberated. It's exciting, but hard work. Stick in there! Even I don't fully understand it all (nor does most Buddhists...it's so vast), but we walk down that path even though ahead of us is very dark, the candle of the Buddha's Dharma allows us to walk a few feet 'safely' each day until we get to the end.
@@AlanPeto Thank you for the detailed reply! I’m going to read that article and watch the video you mentioned. Also, I see your point in how understanding could take decades. 🙏🙏🙏
Consider the concept of rebirth as more in line with current scientific knowledge and understanding vs. Judeo Christian eternal heaven or eternal hell and no conservation of energy or matter at all...ie. no recycling. To help swallow the concept of rebirth, you need to discard any notion of a "self/personality" that is being reborn, as that would be impossible since each life is unique and different from the next and they are not to be seen as the same person. No more than if you use the flame of a dying candle to light a new candle... one comes from the other but they completely different entities.
Buddhism is not philosophy but it is " knowledge " how to end the suffering (eternity of reborn uncontrollable ) By transformation to " final form of human evolution " Which no longer needs body just energy . Unlike Hinduism way of practice Which would lead all who practice to energy stage also , but its not permanent.
"Fascinating," to quote Star Trek's Mr. Spock. One concept, being from a Western background that I find most elusive to grasp in Buddhist ideas is the idea of "non-self" or lack of an eternal soul. I have sort of gathered from Hindu ideas that there is a soul that reincarnates from one incarnation to the next, driven by the karma one accumulates in the lifetime, but is independent of each incarnation. I have used the analogy of the career of an actor. As the actor takes on each role, he or she becomes the character that has been written for them. At the end of filming, or when the stage curtain goes down, the character vanishes and the actor re-emerges, independent of the character. Thus the actor can "reincarnate" into multiple roles but is himself unchanging, save for the passage of time and experience. Of course, this is from their perspective. If an actor has created a very persistent or strong character, the distinction between character and actor may be lost on fans who expect the actor to be the character. Such becomes a problem for them when the actor finds themselves typecast and unable to progress beyond a particular character or type of character. So, in the Buddhist sense, without a "soul" or some form of no self that progresses from one incarnation into another, who or what is it, exactly that is seeking to become "enlightened?"
Beautifully conveyed video; most useful. I am often struck when reading Mahayanan sutras, such as the Lotus Sutra, that the English translations use words such as "universe" and 'world-systems' which we instantly associate with what we now know of the Universe with its potentially infinite number of planetary systems (which must contain other planets with sentient life one would presume), which actually fits surprisingly well with what's written, but they wouldn't have had the concept of a Universe (as we see it) or planetary-systems (o even what a planet looks like) back then, so what words do you think the original texts were using? And what sort of meaning or understanding would have been taken from such words back then, what would they have conjured up for those hearing them or reading them at the time? Also - once you start talking about Kalpas - and periods of a trillion years, this would suggest we're being reborn across planets (where you might term the Human realm more accurately as the "sentient life realm"), and even different Universe phases (which, again, kind of does fit surprisingly well with our current understanding of the Universe), making the planet earth, and even the human-state as we know it, rather incidental? What have been your own thoughts and explorations around this?
Really interesting video! I tend to take a more secular approach in regards to my own practice but I find that regardless these concepts and tales can have a really positive impact on your practice whether you interpret them as literal or not. I recently read “Finding Our True Home” by Thich Nhat Hanh and I have found a lot of benefit in the Amitabha sutra. Love your videos. Keep up the good work! Do you have any recommendations for deeper reading on Buddhist cosmology?
That's a great book! I'm glad to find another person who read it :) It's a great explanation by him. Most of East-Asian Buddhism takes that approach (essentially the meditation school/practice and pure land school/practice). It's only really in Japan you see it separated. Check out my Pure Land video if you haven't already! I do have an article on my website about Buddhist cosmology, but there is so much to it that it only scratches the surface. Is there any part that has caught your interest you'd like to learn more about?
@@AlanPeto I will definitely check out the article. I am interested in understanding the different buddhas and bodhisattvas and getting some clarification on those concepts. I am aware of Amitabha obviously, but I know there are other concepts (I've seen discussion of "the medicine buddha, etc) and I would definitely be interested to learn more about that concept and possibly read multiple interpretations on that subject
My understanding of Buddhist cosmology is that it arose due to competition with Vedic beliefs and Daoist beliefs. There are numerous stories of Guatama debating with other wise men, and subsequent venerable monks taking on learned elders of other faiths in friendly debates or competition for the patronage of nobles. Quite a lot of Buddhist description of the universe, in particular the enumeration of numbers of Bodhisattas or Buddhas uses very large numbers and very long distances of time to express the concept of infinite in languages that did not have a word for infinite. I've also heard it explained that the concept of many other Buddhas or infinite Buddhas was a way to remove the singular person Guatama Shakyamuni from the center of veneration. And instead refocus on the idea of being a Buddha. I think in some ways Buddhism doesn't have a cosmology. We don't claim to know how or why the universe was created, or who did that. There isn't a beginning and end of the universe in Buddhism the way there is in many other religions. These terms like animal realm or hungry ghost realm can be seen as not other places but aspects of this place, or as metaphorical.
Think you might be referring to Mahayana Buddhism? While there are indeed many Buddhas there, the Buddha (Shakyamuni) is indeed central to the religion and we even have several major holidays devoted specifically to him. Without the Buddha, we wouldn’t know about any of the other Buddhas, etc. Mahayana, generally, follows the path of the Bodhisattva as that is the path the Buddha took. While we do have some celestial Buddhas, such as Amitabha, which are popular and help laypersons with the path in a way they can’t do on their own. It never negates Shakyamuni. And the cosmology is huge in Mahayana, and you even find it in Theravada.
0:22 lol, yes i admit, I do think of it as "not Buddhism", even though it may have elements related to Buddhism, because the extra elements seem a distraction. They become the main practice for many, but aren't. But it's interesting to learn about. I am not convinced that early Buddhism was all that concerned with the next life. It was concerned with extinguishing karma, not in a million years, yes now. This idea that it will take people billions of years, seems to have been an addition / destraction to the objective of extinguishing suffering. Seems to me that karma was not meant to be dwelled upon in super intricate, detailed ways. It is just the concept of being mindful of cause and effect. Not to have you literally contemplating millions of years of future lives 20:45 exactly. It's beside the point.
Thanks for the presentation. FYI, There are "planes" in "Buddhist Cosmology" where someone can develop "Dhayana" or states by a deep meditation. There are lot of types of meditations. There are some "state" achieved by anyone who concentrates on deep medication ( by practice and realization) which can not be expressed in mere terms or logic or concepts or linguistic jargon as they are "Athartika" or something that a layman can not comprehend. Someone has to "develop" and practice "such" mental states only via meditation. Some venerable monks of the blessed one had developed these faculties as well. The Buddha, however, does not highly regard these "level of states" or give prominence as they are not directly helpful to attain the final goal, ie, to liberate or free from oneself from the cycle of Samsara or cycle of transmigration system. Buddha does not denounce these either as some hermits or non Buddhist followers too said to have developed these mental faculties at that time. One who dies while being in such "state" will be born in those "planes" in Buddhist cosmology" sometimes, those planes are called "form with body" or "form with mind but body" realm. In Pali cannon, these are called "Rupavachara" and "Arupavachara" realms. The final goal of the Buddhist is to attain Nirvana, that is to, liberate oneself from the endless cycle of birth and re birth by following eight-fold path. At a time a wise man inquired upon Load Buddha about the existence of the "Universe" and he said there is a "world" Whitin your body. Read Seehanada, Sapath Suriyodagamana, Maha Pranibbana, Sutta. One of the attribute of Load Buddha's teaching is that he invites everyone to "come and see" and never ever said to believe the Dhamma because it was said by him, by his followers, via "books" or via "word of mouth" he asked everyone to accept the Dhamma if it "align or agree with his intelligence or sense ". That is why there are no "believers" in Buddhism.
Thanks for this. This is very much a theravada way of looking at cosmology though. Mayahana strains are a lot more into the here for example in tiendai and nichiren buddhism you can perfectly have diffferent life conditions ( = realms) in this life.
It was meant to be general, in nature, and to introduce a Westerner to Buddhist cosmology. Generally, all traditions should mirror this. However, as you mentioned, it can get much more in-depth with Mahayana!
10 years = 1 decade. So, 70 to 80 years is just 7 or 8 decades. When we understand that, in this current existence, we have in all aspects a very short life (which can be possibly even shorter than that), understanding and practicing the Dharma takes on urgency and importance.
@@AlanPeto Correct. From what I've been reading, realms as categories of being have corresponding locations and those locations exist in relation to one another. For example, Devadatta being sucked below the earth eventually landing in Avici. There's a spacial location linked to an ontological realm (heaven/divinities above earth/humans/animals and hell/hell beings below earth/humans/animals). Humans have only been on earth for a certain period of time and evolved from beings that wouldn't generate karma (single cell organisms and animals), and certainly haven't been around long enough for someone to have been a human and gone to hell and come back, so I don't quite understand how the whole thing works. There doesn't seem to be enough time to make it happen.
I'll be honest with you, this is the main reason why I just cannot make Buddhism in my primary spiritual practice. There's a lot of awesome knowledge and Buddhism, learning about impermanence is currently helping me survive one of the most difficult times in my life, but when we start talking about all these different realms ... The hungry ghosts ... Yeah that's where it loses me. I love going to the monastery, have found the meditation very useful, love learning about some of the teachings and lessons, but this is one of those topics where it immediately makes me highly skeptical and I just can't buy into it. Kind of like when they start talking about monks with superpowers.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! You may take Buddhism at whatever level you are able to, and if that's a everyday level, that's great. Belief in the realms of rebirth, or not, you can still gain benefit. In Buddhism, you're still bound by the realms (if believed in or not). Being able to understand the most important part of the realms is that the human relam, where you are right now, is a very rare and special place because you are able to hear and understand the teachings, practice them, and have the right conditions for enlightenment, is something we can take with urgency. You may be right, that none exist, or Buddhism may be right. Why not focus on cultivation to remain in this realm (believed in or not) because it provides the right conditions? That's a more practical approach. You can look at the realms as a condition of mind and actions (although this is not considered the primary belief). For example, when you are constantly craving and lusting after things - you're in the hungry ghosts realm. When you act impulsively, the animal realm. When you have committed violations of the precepts and hurt someone, the hell realm. Maybe you're super rich and life is a dream - the heavenly realm. While the heavenly realm sounds great, you're removed from really understanding and practicing Buddhism (a reason the Buddha left his childhood home of luxury). Ultimatley, we can look with our 21st century eyes, but still not see. I have never seen the realms of rebirth, for instance. But someone in the time of the Buddha being told you could travel hundreds of miles per hour in the sky? Supernatural (even if we consider it technical nowadays). I'm not sure of which story you are referencing about monks with superpowers, but they would not be called superpowers in Buddhism. Buddhism looks at supranormal and supernatural abilities as a result of enlightenment. That what we consider normal is simply our hindered state. But the key thing there, to highlight your overall concern, is that Buddhism *rejects* using supranormal/supernatural powers. What religion can you point to where the main figure (in ours, The Buddha), flatly rejects using such abilities to get converts? The Buddha rejected using these abilities for such a purpose. Did he use them? Yes, at times, but in conjunction to reinforce a teaching, help people understand, etc. In-fact, the Buddha said that the Dharma/Dhamma is key and wisdom is the most important thing, not these abilities. So, yes, Buddhism has what we consider supranormal and supernatural because these terms mean they are either 1) within the abilities of humans but not normally encountered and/or 2) within the realm of our world and reality, but not fully understood by us conventionally. We may accept or reject them, "Buddhism" simply shrugs it's theoretical shoulders because it's simply what the Buddha taught (and showed) us during his life. We need only to follow the teachings and practice. Whenever we reach enlightenment, we can then understand/test this for ourselves.
Interestingly, Buddhas do care. A Buddha is one who rediscovered the truth (dharma) and teaches the liberating path. This, a Buddha. Being a Buddha is also a choice and action, in addition to other factors.
The reason Buddha didn't explore more on the cosmology is because when you reach the first ground of the Bodhisattva state you will know these cosmology automatically.
True buddhist vipassana is based on seeing arising and vanishing of the five aggregates or the present dhammas .Whenever you get a signal through five sense organs you can see a light appears in the middle of the forehead and vanishishes instantly allowing the sense organ to grasp a new object .This is called Udayawaya wishdom .Once you get this true transient nature most of the problems will be solved automatically .Because seeing this true transient nature is the suffering and it is the cause of impermanence nature and impersonal nature .It's very unfortunate that most of us have forgotten this true transient nature and try to show our knowledge accumulated from outside without practicing it .More than 200 satipattana suttras including Maha satipattana suttra says thus " samudaya dhammanu passee va viharathi vaya dhammanu passee va viharathi " means Dwell seeing arising and vanishing of the present signals .See fb group "Vipassana" for more details .you can experience the impermanence nature your self .Sadu sadu !!!
Your questioning is correct! Technically it is above the human realm, and below the heavenly realms. But it’s a place of constant warfare and anger which is unwholesome, so I place it below. It is not a realm one wants to be reborn into.
I personally think there is no such thing as "above" and "below" when it comes to realms. The Bavachakra is the perfect illustration of how rebirth is cyclical and inherently Dukkha. Not to mention that many sutras indicate that the barrier between the Six Realms isn't exactly clear-cut -- many individual particularities of Karma affect the conditions of rebirth (e.g. Humans being born in peaceful prosperous countries while others are born in poverty and have terrible congenital diseases). Humans, Asuras, Gods, Preta, Demons, Animals-- we're all equally trapped in Samsara, so ultimately there is no "above" or "below".
The universe is a self-created karmic experience and is a projection of the consciously arisen afflicted mind. Its appearance is like a dream. The relative truth and the ultimate truth - the two truths in Buddhism - are without difference and this is why Buddha-Dharma - the Dharmakaya - is inconceivable. The wisdom of primordial self-perfecting awareness is the subjective clear light of mind and its nature is the objective clear light of emptiness. In the Lotus Sutra, the Buddha said: ‘The void of the first principle (i.e. the mind) is the reality of all existence. (Form is emptiness and emptiness is form. The form of the wisdom body and the emptiness of the truth body is Buddha-Dharma). In the mantra of the Heart Sutra, the Buddha said, ‘Tadyatha, Om Gate, Gate, Paragate, Parasamgate, Bodhi! Svaha!’ In this way, go beyond, beyond, totally beyond, completely beyond. Perfect wisdom! So be it! As it was for the Buddha, so it is for us.
Sounds interesting but... there is hidden assumption that people in the past have some super knowledge about world that is unavailable for people now. Unfortunately I think this claim is very problematic.
That's a great observation! I'd say not super knowledge per se, but fundamental understanding. We are clouded with delusion, so when that is removed, one can see clearly. It's not restricted to someone 2,600 years ago, it's available to all (even now...it's). It sounds and feels supernatural, but what is super/supranatural to us is often because we don't understand the 'natural' part of it. Whether we believe it, or not, the enlightened have that insight. They don't explain it for the purpose of bragging about what they know, but instead as teaching tools. For example, the Buddha used it specifically to teach/provide examples of morality, conduct, endurance on the path, generosity, compassion, etc. The path of the Bodhisattva and that of impermanence, samsara, etc. So, it's like opening a book. We, as everyday humans, decide not to open the book even to the first page, or, aren't even aware there is a book to be opened. But, again, these are used as Buddhists largely to help with understanding the path of the Bodhisattva towards enlightenment and the qualities, morality, and conduct one should strive to have in their lives now. That's something I'm sure we can all agree on.
There were a few peole like that. Also, Balangoda Ananda Maithriya thero who lived in the 20th century had a few supernatural powers. The Thripitaka in Theravada Buddhism contains the original Buddhist teachings. Buddhism explains the formation of matter. According to Buddhism, there are four great forms that make 24 derived material forms in a matter zone. I could make an equation to derive some dimensional interactions similar to the material forms explained in those teachings. Buddhism mentions 23 matter zones that make matter body/particle (Rupa Sarira) that can make connected formations like atoms (Rupa Santhana). Furthermore, there is an explanation about generations of matter (Rupa Santhati) in Buddhism that are similar to the generations of elementary particles in the standard model of particle physics. Perhaps, the Planck time is not the smallest time in the universe. Buddhism mentions, 51 smallest moments in the smallest matter zone called Rupa-Kalapa. Perhaps, the length of a Rupa-Kalapa is similar to the Planck length. The observers/minds use the 3 smallest moments in the universe to arise, exist and dissolve. The mind/Citta moment can mainly have 31 states of existence that can cause to be an observer (born) in the 31 Planes of existence mentioned in Buddhism. According to Buddhism, The universe (Maha-Kalpa) ended with a rain (called Sampaththi Mahamegha rain) like high energy plasma of elementary particles that filled the universe with them after the contraction (Sanvattai). And the end of the Maha-Kalpa was the start of the expansion (Vivatta) of the universe until the formation of worlds. And the duration of the further expansion (Vivattai) is similar to the duration of the first expansion. Again it contracts (Sanvatta) within a similar duration. There are a lot more explanations in Buddhism about reality. So if you can learn those somewhat hidden teachings, then you will be able to understand the process of life.
@@AlanPeto You are talking from a Buddhist teaching perspective. Adam Mobile is talking from a non-Buddhist perspective. Though I am a Buddhist, I have to agree with Adam Mobile. Understanding dependent origination plays an important role in the spiritual path. Insight is dependent on direct experience and/or reasoning. People in the past did not have super knowledge. People have super knowledge when they investigate and practice what they accept and understand.
I see where you're coming from but I think it is possible. Let's say that current humanity's consciousness level has been extremely narrowed down (contrary to common belief, which says that we are now at the summum of all possible evolution ever), by means of government, education, science, religion, media etc etc for the last few 100s of years, into a pure materialistic world-view, which has become dominant (in The West at least). This would make sense, since we're in Kali Yuga now
Buddhism doesn't deny Self, it only denies self as an indivdual soul that travels from one body to another. Self is Buddha Nature. Individual "self" is referred to as "jivatman" or just "jiva".
This is my most favorite topic of Buddhism. I haven't heard anyone in the U.S talk about this topic at all since I came here. I'm so used to listen to dharma sermons from Mahayana Venerables in the East like Master Chin Kung. Thank you so much for this video.
Thank you! Agreed, it is a very interesting topic.
I'm a Buddhist... love from Sri Lanka❤
Thank you for making such a clear, concise, and informative video on this topic. I’ve been studying Buddhism for a few years now and I have yet to explore the cosmology. I appreciate your effort in making this video for those of us who are beginning to walk the path. Amitofo!
Very nice Summary! 🙏🏼
Buddha described the nature of things and the nature of things is quantum science.
Buddhist from Thailand.
Great teaching friend . Everything you said is true and real as thought by the Buddha. Very interesting about the purity land and it’s environment to eventually become a Buddha. In lay life and working six days a week. Gives me little time . I will take early retirement so I may train more . This salvation offered by the Buddha is very very very important . Thank you
Thank you and may be peaceful and happy.
Thank you! How beautifully explained for the western mind. blessings to you!
Another great explanation. Thank you 🙏
Thank you so much for this video ❤
Thank you so much for making these videos. They really are a pleasure to watch and your approach to these topics help make them less complicated and confusing for me. Seems I’m finding my footing a bit more.
Thank you for watching! Take your time and enjoy growing in the religion and practice. If you can, it can be a great opportunity to learn at a temple under monastics, even if that means a short trip. While not always possible, it might be a great option to explore.
In flower garland sutra, you will see Buddhist cosmology explained quite clearly (Buddha purposely didn't tell us too much information about it), you will see what sumeru mountain looks like, and what other world and being in other worlds are like. It's quite interesting
Thanks for sharing! There are a number of sutras that go into different parts of the cosmology that are very interesting.
I respect your understanding about Buddhism.
Thank you for this video, Alan. I listen to your podcast as well. I’m somewhat new to Buddhism and I have to admit that rebirth is where I struggle the most trying to understand. The realms of rebirth too. The struggle is in trying to figure out how, or even if, I’ll experience rebirth. I’m learning to let go of that expectation. Perhaps this is the way to understanding it a little more.
Thank you. Jason! You're not alone with rebirth (note I have an article on my website and video on it), because 'Westerners' don't have the background to readily accept it (and often, baggage from other beliefs). As with a lot of concepts in Buddhism, there's faith that is needed (or refuge, take your pick on wording here). This doesn't mean a blind faith (yes, you are to verify this on your own), but it's impossible to "get it" right away (or even after decades!). We put faith in the Buddha(s) that what they are telling us is the truth and path towards enlightenment (there's a whole structure and teaching to show what an authentic teaching is as it aligns with the Dharma, etc.). A lot will remain confusing for quite some time. I always like to compare it to a very dirty window that has caked on dirt, grime, discoloration, etc. This is the unimaginably long periods of rebirth where we are more and more clouded in ignorance and delusion. Being exposed to the Dharma is like a light rain on it...it doesn't clear it away with that first "sprinkle", but it may loosen a little piece where we can see clearly if only for a moment. These are flashes of enlightenment/wisdom ("Prajna"). The more effort (which can take lifetimes) the more that window gets "clearer". The Buddha is a great example where in his last lifetime, that window became spotless. Then, we see...clearly...what those "shadows" were on the other side of the glass. Our perceptions and assumptions are gone, and we fundamentally understand and are liberated. It's exciting, but hard work. Stick in there! Even I don't fully understand it all (nor does most Buddhists...it's so vast), but we walk down that path even though ahead of us is very dark, the candle of the Buddha's Dharma allows us to walk a few feet 'safely' each day until we get to the end.
@@AlanPeto Thank you for the detailed reply! I’m going to read that article and watch the video you mentioned. Also, I see your point in how understanding could take decades. 🙏🙏🙏
Consider the concept of rebirth as more in line with current scientific knowledge and understanding vs. Judeo Christian eternal heaven or eternal hell and no conservation of energy or matter at all...ie. no recycling. To help swallow the concept of rebirth, you need to discard any notion of a "self/personality" that is being reborn, as that would be impossible since each life is unique and different from the next and they are not to be seen as the same person. No more than if you use the flame of a dying candle to light a new candle... one comes from the other but they completely different entities.
Thank you so much. That was really helpful.
Buddhism is not philosophy but it is " knowledge " how to end the suffering (eternity of reborn uncontrollable )
By transformation to
" final form of human evolution "
Which no longer needs body just energy .
Unlike Hinduism way of practice
Which would lead all who practice to energy stage also , but its not permanent.
"Fascinating," to quote Star Trek's Mr. Spock. One concept, being from a Western background that I find most elusive to grasp in Buddhist ideas is the idea of "non-self" or lack of an eternal soul. I have sort of gathered from Hindu ideas that there is a soul that reincarnates from one incarnation to the next, driven by the karma one accumulates in the lifetime, but is independent of each incarnation. I have used the analogy of the career of an actor. As the actor takes on each role, he or she becomes the character that has been written for them. At the end of filming, or when the stage curtain goes down, the character vanishes and the actor re-emerges, independent of the character. Thus the actor can "reincarnate" into multiple roles but is himself unchanging, save for the passage of time and experience. Of course, this is from their perspective. If an actor has created a very persistent or strong character, the distinction between character and actor may be lost on fans who expect the actor to be the character. Such becomes a problem for them when the actor finds themselves typecast and unable to progress beyond a particular character or type of character.
So, in the Buddhist sense, without a "soul" or some form of no self that progresses from one incarnation into another, who or what is it, exactly that is seeking to become "enlightened?"
Great, but how did you made it from the animal realm to the human realm? How is this to understand? Thanks!
Beautifully conveyed video; most useful. I am often struck when reading Mahayanan sutras, such as the Lotus Sutra, that the English translations use words such as "universe" and 'world-systems' which we instantly associate with what we now know of the Universe with its potentially infinite number of planetary systems (which must contain other planets with sentient life one would presume), which actually fits surprisingly well with what's written, but they wouldn't have had the concept of a Universe (as we see it) or planetary-systems (o even what a planet looks like) back then, so what words do you think the original texts were using? And what sort of meaning or understanding would have been taken from such words back then, what would they have conjured up for those hearing them or reading them at the time?
Also - once you start talking about Kalpas - and periods of a trillion years, this would suggest we're being reborn across planets (where you might term the Human realm more accurately as the "sentient life realm"), and even different Universe phases (which, again, kind of does fit surprisingly well with our current understanding of the Universe), making the planet earth, and even the human-state as we know it, rather incidental? What have been your own thoughts and explorations around this?
Wonderful! Yes, Buddhism is not limited to just this planet or any other concepts we currently understand.
Really interesting video! I tend to take a more secular approach in regards to my own practice but I find that regardless these concepts and tales can have a really positive impact on your practice whether you interpret them as literal or not. I recently read “Finding Our True Home” by Thich Nhat Hanh and I have found a lot of benefit in the Amitabha sutra. Love your videos. Keep up the good work!
Do you have any recommendations for deeper reading on Buddhist cosmology?
That's a great book! I'm glad to find another person who read it :) It's a great explanation by him. Most of East-Asian Buddhism takes that approach (essentially the meditation school/practice and pure land school/practice). It's only really in Japan you see it separated. Check out my Pure Land video if you haven't already!
I do have an article on my website about Buddhist cosmology, but there is so much to it that it only scratches the surface. Is there any part that has caught your interest you'd like to learn more about?
@@AlanPeto I will definitely check out the article. I am interested in understanding the different buddhas and bodhisattvas and getting some clarification on those concepts. I am aware of Amitabha obviously, but I know there are other concepts (I've seen discussion of "the medicine buddha, etc) and I would definitely be interested to learn more about that concept and possibly read multiple interpretations on that subject
Hello Sir, would you know if there s a space outside of the cosmos where enlightened beings cannot enter? ( like aloka in Jainism)
My understanding of Buddhist cosmology is that it arose due to competition with Vedic beliefs and Daoist beliefs.
There are numerous stories of Guatama debating with other wise men, and subsequent venerable monks taking on learned elders of other faiths in friendly debates or competition for the patronage of nobles.
Quite a lot of Buddhist description of the universe, in particular the enumeration of numbers of Bodhisattas or Buddhas uses very large numbers and very long distances of time to express the concept of infinite in languages that did not have a word for infinite.
I've also heard it explained that the concept of many other Buddhas or infinite Buddhas was a way to remove the singular person Guatama Shakyamuni from the center of veneration. And instead refocus on the idea of being a Buddha.
I think in some ways Buddhism doesn't have a cosmology. We don't claim to know how or why the universe was created, or who did that.
There isn't a beginning and end of the universe in Buddhism the way there is in many other religions.
These terms like animal realm or hungry ghost realm can be seen as not other places but aspects of this place, or as metaphorical.
Think you might be referring to Mahayana Buddhism? While there are indeed many Buddhas there, the Buddha (Shakyamuni) is indeed central to the religion and we even have several major holidays devoted specifically to him. Without the Buddha, we wouldn’t know about any of the other Buddhas, etc. Mahayana, generally, follows the path of the Bodhisattva as that is the path the Buddha took. While we do have some celestial Buddhas, such as Amitabha, which are popular and help laypersons with the path in a way they can’t do on their own. It never negates Shakyamuni. And the cosmology is huge in Mahayana, and you even find it in Theravada.
0:22 lol, yes i admit, I do think of it as "not Buddhism", even though it may have elements related to Buddhism, because the extra elements seem a distraction. They become the main practice for many, but aren't. But it's interesting to learn about. I am not convinced that early Buddhism was all that concerned with the next life. It was concerned with extinguishing karma, not in a million years, yes now. This idea that it will take people billions of years, seems to have been an addition / destraction to the objective of extinguishing suffering.
Seems to me that karma was not meant to be dwelled upon in super intricate, detailed ways. It is just the concept of being mindful of cause and effect. Not to have you literally contemplating millions of years of future lives
20:45 exactly. It's beside the point.
Thanks for the presentation. FYI, There are "planes" in "Buddhist Cosmology" where someone can develop "Dhayana" or states by a deep meditation. There are lot of types of meditations. There are some "state" achieved by anyone who concentrates on deep medication ( by practice and realization) which can not be expressed in mere terms or logic or concepts or linguistic jargon as they are "Athartika" or something that a layman can not comprehend. Someone has to "develop" and practice "such" mental states only via meditation. Some venerable monks of the blessed one had developed these faculties as well. The Buddha, however, does not highly regard these "level of states" or give prominence as they are not directly helpful to attain the final goal, ie, to liberate or free from oneself from the cycle of Samsara or cycle of transmigration system. Buddha does not denounce these either as some hermits or non Buddhist followers too said to have developed these mental faculties at that time. One who dies while being in such "state" will be born in those "planes" in Buddhist cosmology" sometimes, those planes are called "form with body" or "form with mind but body" realm. In Pali cannon, these are called "Rupavachara" and "Arupavachara" realms. The final goal of the Buddhist is to attain Nirvana, that is to, liberate oneself from the endless cycle of birth and re birth by following eight-fold path. At a time a wise man inquired upon Load Buddha about the existence of the "Universe" and he said there is a "world" Whitin your body. Read Seehanada, Sapath Suriyodagamana, Maha Pranibbana, Sutta. One of the attribute of Load Buddha's teaching is that he invites everyone to "come and see" and never ever said to believe the Dhamma because it was said by him, by his followers, via "books" or via "word of mouth" he asked everyone to accept the Dhamma if it "align or agree with his intelligence or sense ". That is why there are no "believers" in Buddhism.
Thank you for providing additional context!
Thanks for this. This is very much a theravada way of looking at cosmology though. Mayahana strains are a lot more into the here for example in tiendai and nichiren buddhism you can perfectly have diffferent life conditions ( = realms) in this life.
It was meant to be general, in nature, and to introduce a Westerner to Buddhist cosmology. Generally, all traditions should mirror this. However, as you mentioned, it can get much more in-depth with Mahayana!
Wonderfully said.
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Hey man! How do u equate 70-80 years to a couple of decades?!?
10 years = 1 decade. So, 70 to 80 years is just 7 or 8 decades. When we understand that, in this current existence, we have in all aspects a very short life (which can be possibly even shorter than that), understanding and practicing the Dharma takes on urgency and importance.
How does rebirth into the human realm work with the timelines in the kalpas and what we know about the timelines presented in evolution?
Is your question related to when there were no humans? “Humans” is just the term we use for that realm, and it’s not restricted to human beings.
@@AlanPeto Correct. From what I've been reading, realms as categories of being have corresponding locations and those locations exist in relation to one another. For example, Devadatta being sucked below the earth eventually landing in Avici. There's a spacial location linked to an ontological realm (heaven/divinities above earth/humans/animals and hell/hell beings below earth/humans/animals). Humans have only been on earth for a certain period of time and evolved from beings that wouldn't generate karma (single cell organisms and animals), and certainly haven't been around long enough for someone to have been a human and gone to hell and come back, so I don't quite understand how the whole thing works. There doesn't seem to be enough time to make it happen.
Gassho. Ty for sharing
I'll be honest with you, this is the main reason why I just cannot make Buddhism in my primary spiritual practice. There's a lot of awesome knowledge and Buddhism, learning about impermanence is currently helping me survive one of the most difficult times in my life, but when we start talking about all these different realms ... The hungry ghosts ... Yeah that's where it loses me. I love going to the monastery, have found the meditation very useful, love learning about some of the teachings and lessons, but this is one of those topics where it immediately makes me highly skeptical and I just can't buy into it.
Kind of like when they start talking about monks with superpowers.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! You may take Buddhism at whatever level you are able to, and if that's a everyday level, that's great. Belief in the realms of rebirth, or not, you can still gain benefit. In Buddhism, you're still bound by the realms (if believed in or not). Being able to understand the most important part of the realms is that the human relam, where you are right now, is a very rare and special place because you are able to hear and understand the teachings, practice them, and have the right conditions for enlightenment, is something we can take with urgency. You may be right, that none exist, or Buddhism may be right. Why not focus on cultivation to remain in this realm (believed in or not) because it provides the right conditions? That's a more practical approach. You can look at the realms as a condition of mind and actions (although this is not considered the primary belief). For example, when you are constantly craving and lusting after things - you're in the hungry ghosts realm. When you act impulsively, the animal realm. When you have committed violations of the precepts and hurt someone, the hell realm. Maybe you're super rich and life is a dream - the heavenly realm. While the heavenly realm sounds great, you're removed from really understanding and practicing Buddhism (a reason the Buddha left his childhood home of luxury). Ultimatley, we can look with our 21st century eyes, but still not see. I have never seen the realms of rebirth, for instance. But someone in the time of the Buddha being told you could travel hundreds of miles per hour in the sky? Supernatural (even if we consider it technical nowadays). I'm not sure of which story you are referencing about monks with superpowers, but they would not be called superpowers in Buddhism. Buddhism looks at supranormal and supernatural abilities as a result of enlightenment. That what we consider normal is simply our hindered state. But the key thing there, to highlight your overall concern, is that Buddhism *rejects* using supranormal/supernatural powers. What religion can you point to where the main figure (in ours, The Buddha), flatly rejects using such abilities to get converts? The Buddha rejected using these abilities for such a purpose. Did he use them? Yes, at times, but in conjunction to reinforce a teaching, help people understand, etc. In-fact, the Buddha said that the Dharma/Dhamma is key and wisdom is the most important thing, not these abilities. So, yes, Buddhism has what we consider supranormal and supernatural because these terms mean they are either 1) within the abilities of humans but not normally encountered and/or 2) within the realm of our world and reality, but not fully understood by us conventionally. We may accept or reject them, "Buddhism" simply shrugs it's theoretical shoulders because it's simply what the Buddha taught (and showed) us during his life. We need only to follow the teachings and practice. Whenever we reach enlightenment, we can then understand/test this for ourselves.
When I'm a Buddha, I'll neither know nor care that I am a Buddha.
Interestingly, Buddhas do care. A Buddha is one who rediscovered the truth (dharma) and teaches the liberating path. This, a Buddha. Being a Buddha is also a choice and action, in addition to other factors.
The reason Buddha didn't explore more on the cosmology is because when you reach the first ground of the Bodhisattva state you will know these cosmology automatically.
Yes, and since most (Western) scientist are very, very far from the state of Bodhisattva, how much faith can we put in their findings??
True buddhist vipassana is based on seeing arising and vanishing of the five aggregates or the present dhammas .Whenever you get a signal through five sense organs you can see a light appears in the middle of the forehead and vanishishes instantly allowing the sense organ to grasp a new object .This is called Udayawaya wishdom .Once you get this true transient nature most of the problems will be solved automatically .Because seeing this true transient nature is the suffering and it is the cause of impermanence nature and impersonal nature .It's very unfortunate that most of us have forgotten this true transient nature and try to show our knowledge accumulated from outside without practicing it .More than 200 satipattana suttras including Maha satipattana suttra says thus " samudaya dhammanu passee va viharathi vaya dhammanu passee va viharathi " means Dwell seeing arising and vanishing of the present signals .See fb group "Vipassana" for more details .you can experience the impermanence nature your self .Sadu sadu !!!
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Demigod realm is below the human realm? Please verify. Thanks.
Your questioning is correct! Technically it is above the human realm, and below the heavenly realms. But it’s a place of constant warfare and anger which is unwholesome, so I place it below. It is not a realm one wants to be reborn into.
I personally think there is no such thing as "above" and "below" when it comes to realms. The Bavachakra is the perfect illustration of how rebirth is cyclical and inherently Dukkha. Not to mention that many sutras indicate that the barrier between the Six Realms isn't exactly clear-cut -- many individual particularities of Karma affect the conditions of rebirth (e.g. Humans being born in peaceful prosperous countries while others are born in poverty and have terrible congenital diseases). Humans, Asuras, Gods, Preta, Demons, Animals-- we're all equally trapped in Samsara, so ultimately there is no "above" or "below".
The universe is a self-created karmic experience and is a projection of the consciously arisen afflicted mind. Its appearance is like a dream.
The relative truth and the ultimate truth - the two truths in Buddhism - are without difference and this is why Buddha-Dharma - the Dharmakaya - is inconceivable.
The wisdom of primordial self-perfecting awareness is the subjective clear light of mind and its nature is the objective clear light of emptiness.
In the Lotus Sutra, the Buddha said: ‘The void of the first principle (i.e. the mind) is the reality of all existence. (Form is emptiness and emptiness is form. The form of the wisdom body and the emptiness of the truth body is Buddha-Dharma).
In the mantra of the Heart Sutra, the Buddha said, ‘Tadyatha, Om Gate, Gate, Paragate, Parasamgate, Bodhi! Svaha!’
In this way, go beyond, beyond, totally beyond, completely beyond. Perfect wisdom! So be it!
As it was for the Buddha, so it is for us.
Sounds interesting but... there is hidden assumption that people in the past have some super knowledge about world that is unavailable for people now. Unfortunately I think this claim is very problematic.
That's a great observation! I'd say not super knowledge per se, but fundamental understanding. We are clouded with delusion, so when that is removed, one can see clearly. It's not restricted to someone 2,600 years ago, it's available to all (even now...it's). It sounds and feels supernatural, but what is super/supranatural to us is often because we don't understand the 'natural' part of it. Whether we believe it, or not, the enlightened have that insight. They don't explain it for the purpose of bragging about what they know, but instead as teaching tools. For example, the Buddha used it specifically to teach/provide examples of morality, conduct, endurance on the path, generosity, compassion, etc. The path of the Bodhisattva and that of impermanence, samsara, etc.
So, it's like opening a book. We, as everyday humans, decide not to open the book even to the first page, or, aren't even aware there is a book to be opened. But, again, these are used as Buddhists largely to help with understanding the path of the Bodhisattva towards enlightenment and the qualities, morality, and conduct one should strive to have in their lives now. That's something I'm sure we can all agree on.
There were a few peole like that. Also, Balangoda Ananda Maithriya thero who lived in the 20th century had a few supernatural powers. The Thripitaka in Theravada Buddhism contains the original Buddhist teachings. Buddhism explains the formation of matter. According to Buddhism, there are four great forms that make 24 derived material forms in a matter zone. I could make an equation to derive some dimensional interactions similar to the material forms explained in those teachings. Buddhism mentions 23 matter zones that make matter body/particle (Rupa Sarira) that can make connected formations like atoms (Rupa Santhana). Furthermore, there is an explanation about generations of matter (Rupa Santhati) in Buddhism that are similar to the generations of elementary particles in the standard model of particle physics. Perhaps, the Planck time is not the smallest time in the universe. Buddhism mentions, 51 smallest moments in the smallest matter zone called Rupa-Kalapa. Perhaps, the length of a Rupa-Kalapa is similar to the Planck length. The observers/minds use the 3 smallest moments in the universe to arise, exist and dissolve. The mind/Citta moment can mainly have 31 states of existence that can cause to be an observer (born) in the 31 Planes of existence mentioned in Buddhism. According to Buddhism, The universe (Maha-Kalpa) ended with a rain (called Sampaththi Mahamegha rain) like high energy plasma of elementary particles that filled the universe with them after the contraction (Sanvattai). And the end of the Maha-Kalpa was the start of the expansion (Vivatta) of the universe until the formation of worlds. And the duration of the further expansion (Vivattai) is similar to the duration of the first expansion. Again it contracts (Sanvatta) within a similar duration. There are a lot more explanations in Buddhism about reality. So if you can learn those somewhat hidden teachings, then you will be able to understand the process of life.
@@AlanPeto You are talking from a Buddhist teaching perspective. Adam Mobile is talking from a non-Buddhist perspective. Though I am a Buddhist, I have to agree with Adam Mobile. Understanding dependent origination plays an important role in the spiritual path. Insight is dependent on direct experience and/or reasoning. People in the past did not have super knowledge. People have super knowledge when they investigate and practice what they accept and understand.
I see where you're coming from but I think it is possible. Let's say that current humanity's consciousness level has been extremely narrowed down (contrary to common belief, which says that we are now at the summum of all possible evolution ever), by means of government, education, science, religion, media etc etc for the last few 100s of years, into a pure materialistic world-view, which has become dominant (in The West at least). This would make sense, since we're in Kali Yuga now
Buddhism doesn't deny Self, it only denies self as an indivdual soul that travels from one body to another. Self is Buddha Nature. Individual "self" is referred to as "jivatman" or just "jiva".
Abrhamic have Bible, Buddhism have Nikaya.
and both are not scientific and actually proven incorrect. I recommend Avi Loeb 'Extraterrestrial'