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[[Image:God_realm.jpg|thumb|Depiction of the gods from a [[thangka]] of the [[Wheel of Life]]]]
The '''six heavens of the [[desire realm]]''' are (from lowest to highest):
The '''six heavens of the [[desire realm]]''' are (from lowest to highest):


Revision as of 10:35, 6 November 2010

Depiction of the gods from a thangka of the Wheel of Life

The six heavens of the desire realm are (from lowest to highest):

Terrestrial Heavens

Heaven of the Four Guardian Kings

  • Skt. Caturmahārājakāyika; Tib. Gyalchen Rikshyi; Wyl. rgyal chen rigs bzhi

The Four Great Kings, along with their retinues, reside upon the fourth terrace of Mount Sumeru. Upon the lower terraces live, in descending order, the gods of the Ever-Ecstatic, Garland-Bearers, and Vessel-Bearers. The crests of the seven mountain ranges, the sun, the moon, and all the stars also belong to the abodes of the Four Great Kings.

It is said that Vishnu resides in this realm.

Heaven of the Thirty-Three

  • Skt. Trāyastriṃśa; Tib. Sumchu Tsasum; Wyl. sum cu rtsa gsum

This is the uppermost terrestrial heaven, and is located on the peak of Mount Sumeru.

It contains the city Fair to See, in which Indra is King.

Celestial Heavens

Free of Combat

  • Skt. Yāma; Tib. Tabdral; Wyl. 'thab bral

This is the first celestial heaven. It is located in the space above Mount Sumeru and, as such, it is no longer subject to the attacks of the demi-gods.

Joyous Realm

  • Skt. Tushita; Tib. Ganden ; Wyl. dga' ldan

The Buddha resided here until the time came to take rebirth in the human realm, and demonstrate the twelve deeds of the supreme nirmanakaya. Before passing from Tushita he prophisied the bodhisattva Maitreya's enlightenment as the buddha to follow him, and placed his crown on Maitreya's head, making him his regent. Maitreya will abide here until the time has come for him to demonstrate the twelve deeds.

Later, the Buddha returned to give teachings to his mother, who had been reborn here after giving birth to him.

It is said that wicked Mara also resides in this heaven.

Enjoying Emanation

  • Skt. Nirmāṇarataya; Tib. Trulga; Wyl. 'phrul dga'

Gods in this realm create and enjoy their own objects of pleasure.

Controlling Others' Emanations

  • Skt. Parinirmitvashavartin; Tib. Shyentrul Wang Jé; Wyl. gzhan 'phrul dbang byed

This is the most refined state in which one can be reborn within the desire realm. Gods in this realm enjoy pleasures created magically by other gods.

Sources

Further Reading

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