DalTheJigsaw123 Posted April 30, 2011 The 31 Places of Existence? Would love to hear other people's opinion on this... http://www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/allexistence.pdf 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Simple_Jack Posted April 30, 2011 (edited) . Edited February 5, 2014 by Simple_Jack 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gerard Posted May 1, 2011 IMO it is a vertical model. There are infinite planes of existence since the Universe itself is so vast and contains so many worlds with their own astral planes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
adept Posted May 1, 2011 IMO it is a vertical model. There are infinite planes of existence since the Universe itself is so vast and contains so many worlds with their own astral planes.  Indeed it is. Pure Land Buddhism is a horizontal model where all the realms are side-stepped in one instant. The goal is to be born into Amitabha's Pure Land where Buddhahood is achieved.  link link link  The Avatamsaka Sutra and related Huayan literature is also worth delving into.  Namo Amitabha Buddha Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gerard Posted May 1, 2011 Indeed it is. Pure Land Buddhism is a horizontal model where all the realms are side-stepped in one instant. Â Interesting. I was discussing the same idea with a fellow Bagua practitioner about experiencing multiple realities which may come across ours. She experienced that and so did I, at various moments: driving a car (discussed something I experienced in the thread about "the spirit world"), while drinking Chinese green tea, during sitting or standing meditation. Â Indeed rebirth in a favourable realm is more conducive to the final liberation process. In this world is extremely difficult bearing in mind the current level of toxicity of our planet. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
adept Posted May 1, 2011 In this world is extremely difficult bearing in mind the current level of toxicity of our planet. Â Good point Gerard. I don't know why more people don't see this. Our planet, environment, body, mind and spirit are subject to ever increasing amounts of garbage. Â Namo Amitabha Buddha Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gerard Posted May 2, 2011 Good point Gerard. I don't know why more people don't see this. Our planet, environment, body, mind and spirit are subject to ever increasing amounts of garbage.  Namo Amitabha Buddha  You know the answer already, no need for me to write it in here.  Keep cultivating my friend, our spirits are our own true belongings. Nothing else matters. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites