The goal of animals, called Tiryakas, is to seek comfort and avoid the unfamiliar. The third, and final, of the lower realms is the Animal Realm.īarbara O’Brien refers to the beings in this realm as having “no sense of humor”. Those frozen become self destructive through isolation and their need to unfeelingly push others away. The beings in the fiery part of hell are angry, abusive, and drive away anyone who care for them. The beings, known as Narakas, are frozen or subjected to pain and torment. The Hell realm is on fire and frozen in ice. This realm is sometimes found between the realms of the Asuras and Hell but can sometime be found between the realms of Humans and Hell.Īt the bottom of the wheel is the Hell Realm. They are usually associated with addictions, compulsions, and obsessions. The size of their necks make it impossible for them to receive any nourishment. The ghosts have huge, empty stomachs, and thin necks. The next realm is that of the Pretas, or Hungry Ghosts. Sometimes the realms are combined into one depiction on the wheel. They are constantly waring with the Devas, as the Asuras feel that they belong in the realm of the Devas. While they sometimes accomplish good, it is always first and foremost for their own benefit. Their main goal is to beat the competition (who consists of everyone they encounter) and do so through belittlement and through their ability to hide behind moral stances (a lot like politicians). In the picture above it is to the right of the Devas.Īsuras are paranoid and highly competitive. On one side of the realm of the Devas, is the realm of the Asuras (the jealous gods). While this sounds ideal, those born into this realm have no motivation to try and reach enlightenment as they are unable to recognize the suffering inherent in samsara. Those born in the realm of the Devas live long lives, full of wealth, power, and happiness. The highest realm (literally- as it is always depicted at the top) is the Realm of the Devas, or Gods. There are six different realms possible for rebirth. On the left side the bodhisattvas are guiding beings to rebirths of higher realms, and on the right side demons lead the beings to the lower realms of rebirth. Surrounding the three poisons is a circle called the Sidpa Bardo. They are called the three poisons, as they poison the journey of anyone who harbors these emotions. These are the forces that keep beings spinning in samsara. In the center of the wheel are a rooster (representing greed), a snake (representing anger), and a boar (representing ignorance). Akong Rinpoche was a recognized Tulku, and the reincarnation of the first Akong, Abbot of the Dolma Lhakang – where Akong Rinpoche’s body has been taken for cremation this week. The Dalai Lama, the Panchen Lama, and the Karmapa are such beings, called bodhisattvas. When one reaches enlightenment, they no longer have to take part in this cycle, however some return to the cycle to help others obtain enlightenment. Samsara is a Sanskrit word that translates as “continuous flow” and is used to describe the cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth. It is also known as the Wheel of Samsara. Here is one version of the Tibetan Wheel of Life I am still learning so I can say that this information is correct to the best of my knowledge but there are probably some symbols and nuances that I have missed. If you want to read more about the details and reactions to the case, check out Kagyu Samye Ling‘s website ( ).Īs I have not posted in a while, and in honor of Akong Rinpoche, I thought I would breakdown some Tibetan art – namely how to read the Tibetan Wheel of Life. He was the man who conducted my Refuge Ceremony and gave me my name, so he was an instrumental part of my conversion, and it breaks my heart that his life ended in such a violent way. It has been a little strange how hard this hit me, as I only met Akong Rinpoche this past May. Akong Rinpoche (left) and Lama Yeshe (right).
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |