On Saṃsāra

Buddhism gets a bad rap in the Christian-dominated West as a polytheistic and mystical religion. Buddhism is truly the opposite. Buddhism, at its core isn't spiritual nor mystical. Buddhism is simply a theory of self-cultivation and psychoanalysis relying on the individual to truly understand first his/her surroundings, and then him/herself. Beyond the bells and whistles of each school lies a deeper understanding of the psyche.

The beauty of buddhism is that there is no one path that is more right than the other. The end-goal is "nirvana", yet there is no concrete definition of what nirvana truly means, beyond escape from samsara. Samsara is described as the cyclical existence by means of karma and reincarnation. This, however, at face value can never be accepted by the analytical mind. Science cannot explain karma beyond cause and effect and physics cannot validate the concept of reincarnation. So what does this wheel of life symbolize?

To me, they are nothing more than states of the human mind. In any given day, we may rotate between each realm. Reincarnation does apply to lifetimes, but only the death and birth of new mindsets. Heaven and Hell are simply moments of happiness and sorrow. Buddhism stresses the identification of dukkha (suffering) and anatta (not-self). The cessation of suffering requires one to realize that suffering is brought upon only by carnal desires. "Humiliation" is a human emotion we experience when we do not acquire that which we desire. Humiliation can be considered a form of "suffering", as it drives our actions and intentions. One must recognize that humiliation is ubiquitous before attempting to understand how to cope with it. But to detach oneself from humiliating emotions, one must also understand that the ego is merely an illusion. Possession is simply created by our minds to make sense of our surroundings. Without "self", there cannot be a "mine" or "yours". Without possession, there cannot be expectations so on and so forth. Hence, anatta.

Let's first analyze the six realms put forth by Buddhism: God Realm, Demi-God/Titan Realm, Human Realm, Animal Realm, Hungry Ghosts Realm, and Hell Realm. In traditional Buddhist thought, these are taught as different realms that one can be reincarnated into. Each realm has its benefits and disadvantages. I believe that these six realms of samara are merely a metaphor for our psychological states. I will explain each as follows:

God Realm: As it sounds... gods are described as all-powerful/omnipotent beings. To be born to this realm is to enjoy power, success, and extraordinary confidence. One may experience this psychologically when he/she is enjoying success in life, be it in a career, relationship, academics, etc.

Demi-god/Titan Realm: The beings in this realm are often referred to as the "jealous gods". Demi-gods represent jealousy, violence, and dominance. One may experience this when he/she is envious of others.

Human Realm: The human realm is best known to us as an "equilibrium" of other psychological states. We are net-neutral in the human realm. We reason with logic, yet we yearn for more knowledge (hopefully). In Freudian psychology, we can identify the human realm with the ego. Neither id nor superego, it is perceived as innocence. Not innocence in a moral aspect, but in a educational/spiritual aspect.

Animal Realm: Feelings of pleasure, hedonism, and sex drive are considered the psychological tendencies of the Animal realm. Animals are perceived to be purely instinctual, having no capability of higher thought, and dwelling at the lowest level of Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Hungry Ghosts Realm: Hungry ghosts are described in Buddhism as emaciated figures that eat, but are never satisfied. Avarice and unending greed are the common traits associated with this psyche.

Hell Realm: The opposite of the God realm. The antithesis of hubris. The hell realm characterizes mental and physical suffering that we experience.

As you can see with these interpretations of the six realms in the wheel of life, one can move freely between each within the span of days, hours, minutes, or even seconds. You may receive a bonus from work rewarding your hard work and experience the God realm and later receive a credit card bill that removes your joys and plunge you into the realm of hungry ghosts, yearning for more money. What then is nirvana? Nirvana is understanding the cause and effects of each realm -- karma. You cannot know the desires of the animal realm, without knowing the power of restraint from the human realm. Nirvana is balance between each realm without giving rise to attachments. Nirvana is understanding the impermanence of the pleasures, and the necessity of the displeasures. Nirvana is understanding how the wheel of life affects our mentality and living with it. That is the only true escape.

Reincarnation? Simply the death of one emotion and the rise of another. Let us strive to always be mindful and aware of our emotions. Don't take everything at face-value. Look for the deeper meaning.