Six Paths

The Six Paths[1] in Buddhist cosmology[2] are the six worlds where sentient beings are reincarnated based on their karma, which is linked to their actions in previous lives.

The last three paths are referred to as the three unbenevolent destinies (akuśalagati), where beings lack virtue and suffer predominantly.

The kāma-loka dealt with the daily psychological possibilities of humans and was divided into five above mentioned worlds with the exception of the asura realm.

The realm of deva symbolising the purer and spiritual stages of consciousness, humans relating to the abilities of reason and logic, animals and hunger ghosts especially can be seen as an image of instinct and Naraka would represent the accumulated dukkha from past actions.

[12] The ten wholesome actions that are inspired by generosity (dana), ethical conduct (sila) and meditation (bhavana).

[13] The Saddharmasmṛtyupasthānasūtra ("Sutra of the Remembrance of the True Law")[14] interprets the different realms, stating that the deva world is a human ideal of pleasure based upon ignorance which is transitory and decays.

Being situated in the human world exposes one to disease, impurities, exposure to impermanence and a non-self (anātman).