Significance of Human Realm
The Human Realm, as presented across various religious and philosophical traditions, refers to the specific domain inhabited by humans, characterized by the potential for spiritual growth and experiences, as well as the presence of suffering and joy. In Buddhism, it is seen as a crucial state for learning and development, distinct from lower realms like Hell. Similarly, Jainism recognizes it as the space where mortals exist and interact with the divine. Overall, the Human Realm is depicted as a unique environment for navigating life’s challenges while pursuing moral choices and spiritual growth.
Synonyms: Mortal realm, Earthly realm, Mortal world, Physical world, Terrestrial sphere, Earthly plane
In Dutch: Menselijk rijk
In Finnish: Ihmiskunta
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Human Realm'
The Human Realm in Buddhism encompasses human existence marked by suffering and joy, offering opportunities for moral choice, spiritual growth, and fulfilling virtuous actions, distinguishing it from higher or lower realms based on karmic outcomes.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Another realm in which Bhaddha Kaccana was reborn for one hundred thousand world-cycles.[1] (2) The world of human beings, one of the possible destinies for beings based on their karma.[2] (3) The realm in which humans reside, where Bhaddakapilani experienced multiple rebirths before her final existence.[3] (4) The realm where Kali was reborn as a human daughter of a householder in Rajagaha.[4] (5) The earthly existence where Suppiya was reborn as a rich householder's wife in Baranasi.[5]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The realm in which beings are born as humans, characterized by the potential for growth and spiritual development.[6] (2) The realm of human existence characterized by the pursuit of desires and the experience of suffering, as opposed to heavenly realms.[7]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) A state of existence offering a balance of suffering and pleasure, seen as beneficial for spiritual development.[8] (2) The domain of existence (manussaloka) characterized by human experiences and sensory engagement.[9]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) The human world is depicted as a place with abundant opportunities for performing meritorious acts, which impact future rebirths.[10]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The realm of human existence where beings live with the capacity for moral choice affected by the law of kamma.[11]
From: The Catu-Bhanavara-Pali (critical study)
(1) This term denotes the realm of human existence, often contrasted with other domains in religious or philosophical contexts.[12]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) A plane of existence that, while not entirely free from suffering, provides opportunities for individuals to avoid evil and experience pleasure, making it more comfortable compared to the woeful realms.[13]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The state of existence as a human being, where one has the opportunity to cultivate virtues and navigate karmic results.[14] (2) A state of existence that is a transitional point between the higher realms and lower realms of being.[15] (3) The domain of existence in which human beings experience life, perceptions, and understanding, particularly in relation to the discussion of dharmas and their origins.[16]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) One of the realms in Buddhist cosmology where sentient beings are reborn based on their karma.[17] (2) The physical world inhabited by human beings where governments build prisons for criminals.[18]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A realm representing human existence characterized by suffering and joy, where beings can achieve a human body through performing ten meritorious actions.[19]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) A realm contrasted with the heavens where limited understandings of the Tathagata often lead to misinterpretations of his nature.[20]
From: Karandavyuha Sutra
(1) One of the six worlds specifically populated by humans.[21]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fundamental vow sutra
(1) One of the six realms in which sentient beings can be reborn, representing opportunities for spiritual growth but also susceptible to suffering.[22]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) A state of existence obtained through small good actions, characterized by human experiences.[23] (2) The state of existence in which beings have the potential for growth, learning, and spiritual practice, distinct from lower realms like Hell or being animals.[24] (3) The sphere of existence where humans reside, which poses dangers to scattered beasts and birds, primarily from hunters and other threats.[25] (4) The realm of existence where human beings live, described in the context of being born due to past goodness and the potential for spiritual development.[26]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) The realm in which beings undergo experiences, learn lessons, and develop understanding towards enlightenment.[27]
Hindu concept of 'Human Realm'
The Human Realm in Hinduism encompasses the earthly existence of humans, characterized by spiritual communication, illusion, moral challenges, and contrasts with divine realms, where human actions unfold amid the conditions of the Kali age.
From: Padma Purana
(1) The realm where beings live and experience life, contrasted with divine and celestial realms.[28] (2) The realm to which Urvashi is destined to go as a result of Mitra's curse.[29] (3) The realm of human existence in contrast to divine or heavenly realms.[30]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The realm where all religious rites have come to a standstill due to the worship of the sandals.[31] (2) The realm where mortals reside, described in terms of moral degradation and the onset of the Kali age.[32]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The worldly realm that appears real but is fundamentally an illusion.[33]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) The realm where human actions and experiences unfold, sustained by the roots of the Ashvattha tree leading to action.[34]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) The realm inhabited by humans, contrasting with the world of Yama.[35]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The physical world inhabited by humans, where souls return after spending time in heaven.[36]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) The earthly existence where sacred texts are finally communicated to humans from their divine origins.[37]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The realm where human beings exist, as contrasted with the extraordinary beings known as fairies or gandharvas.[38]
Jain concept of 'Human Realm'
The Human Realm in Jainism is defined as the domain where mortals exist, characterized by geographical features, spiritual figures, and the potential for rebirth, signifying a profound connection between divine experiences and human life.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The realm where the Lord descended, symbolizing the intimate connection between the divine and human experiences.[39] (2) The realm where mortals exist, which is enclosed by the mountain-range of Manushottara.[40] (3) A term used to describe the realm that encompasses various geographical features such as continents, oceans, and mountains.[41]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Denotes the realm where human life exists, discussed as a potential rebirth place for Utpala souls.[42] (2) The part of existence where human beings reside, marked by the passage of time and life.[43] (3) The domain defined by the presence of spiritual figures like Arihantas and Cakravarties, in addition to ordinary people such as monks, nuns, men, and women.[44]
The concept of Human Realm in local and regional sources
The Human Realm encompasses the collective human experience, emphasizing literature and written expression, while reflecting the complexities of existence, dreams, and aspirations that shape civilization and individual lives.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The social and cultural environment that influences the themes and narratives found within literature.[45] (2) The realm of human experiences, emotions, and interactions; the primary focus of a poet's work.[46] (3) Refers to the collective human experience and civilization, especially in the context of literature and written expression.[47] (4) The realm of human existence and experiences, full of dreams and aspirations that can flourish or fade.[48]