Deva realm
Pleasure and long life can obscure impermanence when ease is mistaken for permanent refuge.
Traditions · Educational random explorer
Six-realm explorer
Explore six traditional realms directly or choose a random panel. The random result is not divination, prophecy, karmic diagnosis, rebirth prediction or a judgement of your character.
Educational randomisation only
The six realms are interpreted cosmologically, psychologically and iconographically in different Buddhist contexts.
Choose any realm or use the educational randomiser.
Asura realm
Competition, jealousy and conflict dominate this symbolic field in many wheel-of-life presentations.
Human realm
A mixed condition of pleasure and pain is often described as especially workable for recognising change and practising.
Animal realm
Traditional imagery associates this realm with vulnerability, fear and limited understanding. It must not be used to demean living animals or people.
Hungry ghost realm
Insatiable grasping is pictured as desire that cannot be satisfied by continued consumption.
Hell realms
Extreme anguish and hatred are represented through severe imagery. Traditions differ on literal, karmic and psychological interpretation.