Significance of Lower world
The concept of the Lower world is significant across various spiritual traditions, including Jainism, Vaishnavism, and Buddhism. In Jainism, the Lower world refers to a realm beneath Mount Meru, containing seven earths inhabited by hell beings. Vaishnavism associates it with the destinations of beings cast down due to actions like those of Krishna. Buddhism emphasizes the Lower worlds as undesirable states of existence marked by suffering, connecting moral actions and rebirth consequences, ultimately highlighting the importance of good deeds to avoid these realms.
Synonyms: Underworld, Netherworld, Abyss, Hell, Subterranean realm
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Lower world'
In Buddhism, the Lower world signifies realms associated with unfortunate rebirths and suffering, resulting from negative deeds. It encompasses states of existence characterized by moral punishment, fear, and undesirable conditions due to unwholesome actions.
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The four realms into which evil deeds may cause a being to be reborn.[1] (2) Existential realms designated for beings who partake in evil actions, which serve as moral punishments.[2] (3) States of existence characterized by suffering, often as a result of negative kammic actions.[3] (4) The realms of existence associated with suffering and punishment that one may be reborn into as a result of unwholesome actions.[4] (5) The detrimental states of existence one can descend to as a result of evil deeds, illustrating moral consequences in the narrative.[5]
From: The Catusacca Dipani
(1) States of existence characterized by suffering and deprivation, often associated with beings who are not living according to the Buddha-Dhamma.[6] (2) The realms of existence synonymous with suffering and punishment, where beings are reborn due to their unwholesome kamma.[7] (3) Existences that are considered less favorable than the deva realms, often the destination for those who do not practice wholesome deeds.[8] (4) The states of existence that are considered undesirable in the cycle of rebirth.[9] (5) Existential realms characterized by intense suffering, which provoke great fear in those aware of their consequences.[10]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Refers to states of existence that are less desirable and from which a stream-winner is no longer subject to rebirth.[11] (2) A state of existence inadequate for those who do not appreciate charity, contrasting with heavenly realms.[12] (3) The undesirable realms of rebirth that Anathapindika feared his son would enter if he did not engage in good deeds.[13]
Hindu concept of 'Lower world'
In Hinduism, the Lower world encompasses the material aspect of existence and includes realms like Patala, inhabited by demons, and the Seven Lower Worlds, representing lower physical and spiritual planes, accessible via Sama worship.
From: The Brahma Purana
(1) The realms beneath the upper worlds that correspond to different aspects of existence and experience.[14] (2) Refers to the deepest realms among the nether worlds, indicating the lowest physical and spiritual planes.[15]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The other half of Brahma's egg that constitutes the earthly realm, indicative of the material aspect of existence.[16]
From: The Padma Purana
(1) The realm where Hiranyaksha entered after removing the earth from its place.[17]
From: Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
(1) The seven realms below the earthly plane in the universe, comprising Atala, Vitala, Sutala, Rasatala, Talatala, Mahatala, and Patala.[18]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The worlds that are considered to be at a lower level compared to higher worlds, accessible through Sama worship.[19]
From: Abhinaya-darpana (English)
(1) The Seven Lower Worlds including Atala, Vitala, Sutala, Talatala, Mahatala, Rasatala, and Patala.[20]
From: Dasarupaka (critical study)
(1) Refers to the realm of patala, one of the locations occupied by demons in the Tripuradaha.[21]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The realms where beings are cast down, as mentioned in relation to Krishna's actions toward Bali Maharaja.[22]
Jain concept of 'Lower world'
In Jainism, the Lower World comprises seven layered earths inhabited by hell beings, situated beneath Mount Meru. It contrasts with the Upper World, representing a spiritual realm characterized by infernal and subterranean qualities.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A realm referred to as urdhvaloka, characterized by various inhabitants and descriptions.[23] (2) The realm from which the Dikkumaris came, in contrast to the Upper World.[24] (3) A realm traditionally associated with infernal or subterranean aspects in spiritual cosmology, contrasting with the upper world.[25] (4) The realm established below the Middle World, consisting of seven earths and inhabited by hell-inhabitants.[26] (5) A realm of existence in cosmology, as opposed to the higher worlds where other celestial beings reside.[27]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The lower world (adholoka) is the realm beneath Mount Meru.[28] (2) The part of the universe consisting of seven earths, known as Ratnaprabha, Sharkaraprabha, Valukaprabha, Pankaprabha, Dhumaprabha, Tamahprabha, and Mahatamahprabha, which are one below the other.[29]