The Concept of Trailokya in Buddhism and Jainism

In Buddhist and Jain cosmology, the idea of Trailokya literally meaning “three worlds” serves as a framework for understanding existence. While both traditions share the notion of multiple realms, their interpretations differ significantly, reflecting unique Philosophical Perspectives on Life, karma, and liberation.

Trailokya in Buddhism

Early Buddhism, drawing from the Pali Canon and related Agamas, describes three distinct realms of existence:

1.     Kama Loka (World of Sensuality):

o    This realm includes humans, animals, and certain celestial beings.

o    It is dominated by desire, attachment, and sensory pleasures.

o    Beings here experience both joy and suffering, making it a central realm for spiritual practice.

2.     Rupadhatu Loka (Realm of Form):

o    Inhabited by beings who have attained mastery in meditative states.

o    These beings transcend sensual desires and dwell in refined states of consciousness.

o    The realm symbolizes clarity, serenity, and higher meditative attainment.

3.     Arupadhatu Loka (Realm of Formlessness):

o    A formless, immaterial realm where beings exist in deep states of meditation beyond physical form.

o    It represents transcendence of material existence and attachment.

Importantly, Arahants those who achieve Nirvana transcend all lokas. They are beyond the cycle of rebirth and cannot be located within any realm. Early Buddhist texts also reference the supramundane realm, accessible only to enlightened beings, which transcends worldly limitations and represents ultimate liberation.

Concept of Loka in Jainism

In Jain philosophy, the term Loka refers to the universe itself, which is eternal and governed by natural laws, without a creator or destroyer deity. Jain cosmology divides the universe into three parts:

1.     Urdhva Loka (Upper World):

o    The realms of gods and heavens.

o    Beings here enjoy elevated states due to virtuous karma.

2.     Madhya Loka (Middle World):

o    The realm of humans, animals, and plants.

o    It is considered the most significant, as it offers the opportunity for spiritual progress and liberation.

3.     Adho Loka (Lower World):

o    The infernal regions inhabited by hellish beings.

o    Souls here suffer due to negative karma.

Jain cosmology also distinguishes between Loka (inhabitable space) and Aloka (uninhabitable space). Both are subdivisions of Akasa (space), but they remain separate and do not overlap.

Liberation in Both Traditions

  • In Buddhism, liberation (Nirvana) means transcending all lokas, ending the cycle of rebirth, and attaining freedom from desire and suffering.
  • In Jainism, liberation (Moksha) occurs when the soul is freed from karmic bondage, transcending worldly realms and achieving eternal bliss beyond loka and aloka.

Conclusion

The Concept of Trailokya in Buddhism and Jainism highlights the diversity of Indian cosmological thought. In Buddhism, the three realms—Kama Loka, Rupadhatu Loka, and Arupadhatu Loka—represent stages of existence shaped by karma and meditation, with Nirvana as the ultimate transcendence. In Jainism, loka signifies the eternal universe divided into upper, middle, and lower worlds, with moksha as the supreme goal. Both traditions emphasize liberation as the highest purpose, illustrating humanity’s quest to rise beyond worldly limitations and unite with the eternal truth.

  

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