by Sita Wiczynski

Created on: September 05, 2008

Buddhist teachings discuss the six realms of being : 1- Gods, 2-Titans , 3- Humans , 4- Animals
5- Hungry ghosts[ or spirits], and 6- Hell beings. Buddhist teachings also assert that, to be a human, is a special incarnation, as humans have the capacity to engage in spiritual practice.
Thus the first outlook on a human individual, is that we are special.
The Buddha taught that as humans , we have the ability to transcend Samsara [ the lower truth] and reach Nirvana [ the higher truth]. The Buddhists teach that as humans, we shouldn't waste oour time on the temptations and trappings of our ordinary existence. Rather, we should spend more time developing our selves and reaching out to others in need. This however doesn't mean we should ignore our day to day duties, obligations etc.. The Buddhist " Middle Way " explains the

balance between mundane and higher pursuits. The teachings explain that we shouldn't become attached to either. The Buddha said we should enjoy life, without becoming attached to its trappings. Finally, the teachings say acheiving a human incarnation is difficult, so don't waste our precious time here.
The second outlook on an individual, is that we are made up of the 5 skandas, or aggregates.
Each individual is a combination of Form, Perception, Sensation, Mental- Formations and Conciousness. Buddhist teachings say we aren't the Egos we think we are. The indivdual egos are part of the lower truth [Samsara]. The teachings go on to say, each indiviual is pure conciousness, but the we are so deluded, we can't realize our higher selves. The Buddha said the only difference between He and the ordinary person, was that, the ordinary person doesn't see her/his Buddha nature. In order to see our true nature, we need to lift off, the veils of ignorance, that predominate in Samsara.
The third outlook, is that, we as human individuals are suffering , just as all beings suffer.
We suffer because we desire, crave, and seek pleasures. Our suffering can be overcome through
serious meditation practice and increased self- knowledge. Thus lowering the influence of the Ego and increasing the strenght of pure being.
Finaly the individaul is also seen as a part of the entire universe. The teachings tell people to realize that all their own indivdual actions affect all beings and phenomena. The teachings on compassion ask to, not only care about those we know , but more importantly, to care about those we don't know.
Therefore an indivdual is seen as having the potential to be a dynamic force in the world of Samsara [ignorance]. Reducing suffering, not harming when we can't help, practicing compassion, kindness, love and peace are ,all an individual's responsibilty, while here alive ,in this special incarnation we call human.
In summary, there is no higher being in Buddhism than a human individual, the teachings are for humans,who can understand them. The human individual is regarded quite highly , because of our ability to transcend suffering, eradicate negativity, and promote harmony.

Learn more about this author, Sita Wiczynski.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.