Awhile ago I posted on how the famous six realms of Tibetian Buddhism could also indicate psychological states, and how that made me rethink my late dog’s life. I’d like to focus more on those six realms, and what they mean for American politics.
To review, the six realms one can be incarnated in (or that one can experience, if your take the psychological viewpoint) are:
- Gods (Devas) – A realm of pleasure, but the pleasure distances one, and even gods die. Think of this as pleasurable and peak experiences.
- Asuras – A realm of ambition and striving godlike beings, who suffer paranoia and envy. Think of this as a state of “drive.”
- Humans – Our realm, a real of desire, doubt, and some confusion but also balance so we may achieve Enlightenment, and where we may develop important compassion that lets us do so.
- Animals – The realm of instinct, ignorance carnality – and fear and opposition to change. Think of this as functioning in basic fear-response.
- Hungry Ghosts – The realm of mournful, craving spirits. Think of this as being in a state of addiction and sheer need.
- Hell Realm – The realm of anger, hate, and fear. Think of this as being in a state of terror and rage.
You can see how these realms can easily represent different human sates from peak experiences to unbridled rage, with honest humanity in the middle. Now let’s turn to American politics using this psychological model.