The Ten Dharma Realms are separated into the Six Mundane and Four Sacred realms{1} Amongst the Six Mundane realms, there is the Three Wholesome Paths{2} and Three Unwholesome Paths{3} The Three Unwholesome Paths are called the “Three Lower Destinies”, which are: animals, hungry ghosts, and hell.

1.Animals

They are called “animal” because they are kept and fed by human beings. They are mainly referred to as “domestic animals” or “domestic fowls.”

Animals are also named “rebirth as an animal{4},” because their bodies are not like that of human beings, which is upright. They are said to walk horizontally, that is, with their belly downwards. Animal are said to be ignorant and without wisdom. While they attack each other, they are also exploited, whipped, and slaughtered by human beings, and then eaten as foods; therefore they experience all sorts of sufferings and pain.

Their habitats can be divided into three locations: in the air, on the ground, and in the water. They also can be classified into three species according to the times of activity, such as day, night, and day-night. There are five causes for rebirth as an animal: transgression of precepts{5}, stealing, owing debt, killing, unwillingness to listen to the Dharma, obstructing others from participating in Buddhist services in various methods.

2.Hungry ghosts

Hungry ghosts always feel hunger and fear, thus they are called “hungry ghosts.” Hungry ghosts will never obtain foods because of the following three obstacles:

1)External obstacle{6}

Because of their karma, hungry ghosts can only see a pond of water as pus and blood, and thus cannot consume the water.

2)Internal obstacle{7}

Their throats are as thing as a pin, their mouth like torching fire, and their stomachs like a drum, even when it received a food, it still cannot take the food.

3)Unseen obstruction{8}

Although they have no difficulties in obtaining food anything they attempt to eat will burn into ashes. It is due to their karmic retribution; hence they still suffer thirst and hunger.



【Key Words】

{1} Six Mundane and Four Sacred realms 六凡四聖

{2} Three Wholesome Paths 三善道

{3} Three Unwholesome Paths 三惡道

{4} rebirth as an animal 傍生

{5} transgression of precepts 犯戒

{6} External obstacle 外障

{7}Internal obstacle 內障

{8} Unseen obstruction 無障