Question asked by Robin
Dear Pastors,
We know that there are a lot of other worlds other than our worlds. In the sutras I read, I frequently heard that there are a lot of pure lands, and other worlds. And it seems like most of the other worlds are better than our world. My question is, is there other worlds that are also chaotic like our world mentioned in the sutras? Can giv me some examples? Is it most of the worlds are like us, unless the world is created by buddhas?
Dear Robin,
I suggest you read the “31 Planes of Existence” by Egerton C. Baptist. There are many world systems with other forms of life but I do not have any information regarding these forms of existence. The Buddha has mentioned that there are 31 planes of existence which are: 4 lower realms (animals, ghosts, demons and hell beings), 1 human world, 6 heavenly realms, 16 form realms, and 4 formless realms. There are also pure lands or realms of the Buddhas where those who are reborn there can continue to cultivate their practice and achieve enlightenment. Some of these are: Sukhavati (the pure land of Amitabha Buddha), Copper-coloured Mountain (the pure land of Padmasambhava), Potalaka (where Avalokiteshvara and Tara dwell, Kechara (the paradise of Vajrayogini)and Akanishtha (the highest Buddhafield). To answer your question, just as there are worlds which are better than the human world, there are also realms which are very much worst. The human world is not “created” by a god or Buddhas. But one thing good about being born human is that we can make use of this precious human life to practice Dharma and realise Buddhahood. This means we can be born in a Buddhaland in a future life.