Six realms represent all the states of existence in Buddhism. Each of these realms is occupied by its particular Buddha, and it is through the Buddha that humanity can perceive the dharma (the essence of the universe). The souls of different individuals inhabit each realm. The realm a person lands in results from their karma (actions) in their previous life. Buddhism also places importance on motive regarding a person's karma. For instance, unintentional theft, like accidentally switching similar objects, does not bear the same weight as intentionally stealing an object.
The heavenly realm is the best of the realms in Buddhism. This concept in Buddhism states that a person's placement in this realm results from living one's life exceptionally well and doing good deeds. This realm has no suffering or anxiety, and all its inhabitants (both good humans and devas, or lesser gods) live in constant pleasure and enjoyment until they are reborn into another life. According to Buddhism, the Buddha attached to this realm holds a musical instrument, and the length of stay in this realm is up to 30,000 years. However, many Buddhists are wary of his realm because there is no religious merit here and no need for Buddhism or religion of any kind.
The asura realm represents the realm of the asuras. They are not gods like devas but are extremely powerful beings whose inclinations tend towards greed and envy. Their realm attracts humans with these qualities. The asuras are often in conflict with devas and humans on earth, and the realm is altogether undesirable. Buddhism portrays a picture of their Buddha holding a sword, with asuras fighting themselves and the devas.
Next is the animal realm, which is an unpleasant place, and human souls sent to this realm are placed there due to terrible past sins towards animals, such as sacrifices. These souls are turned into animals such as dogs and dung beetles and are forced to work tirelessly. Their sins are so terrible that even as they work continuously, their work does not generate good karma for them but sheds off their accumulated bad karma. Buddhism's image of this realm depicts water, air, land, and different animals, both wild and domesticated. These objects surround a Buddha with the palm stretched outward, which means "do not be afraid."
The hell realm is the punishment realm for humans who have committed atrocities against other humans. The inhabitants can stay up to 60,000 years before they are finally reborn in a higher state. The souls in this realm suffer hunger, thirst, and psychological and physical torture. The image of the hell realm in Buddhism depicts people being boiled, cut, stabbed, hacked and chomped by various torturers in hell, as well as being forced to bathe in pus and other revolting liquids. The Buddha in the picture lifts his hand in a teaching gesture, and Buddhists portray a fearful tale of this realm in a bid to warn faithfuls.
The ghost realm is similar to the hell realm, as souls in both realms suffer hunger and thirst. The inhabitants of this realm are called pretas. They are depicted as having thin and tiny necks that cannot rake in any food and water to satisfy them due to their greedy nature on earth. This is also the realm where souls who have died suddenly are placed.
The human realm is the sixth and final realm in Buddhist lore. It is the realm where a person's actions determine their placement in the other realms. Unlike the other realms, humans have an agency that puts a moral and spiritual responsibility on them. The image of this realm depicts the nature of plant and livestock farming and people receiving religious teaching. The image also depicts illness and death, representing the transient nature of human life.
