PSYCHOLOGICAL REALMS: AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF BHAVA SUTTA

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the definition and mechanism of "Bhava" (becoming/existence), focusing on its interpretation as an immediate psychological process. This is achieved through an in-depth comparative study of the Pathama Bhava Sutta, the Dutiya Bhava Sutta, and their relevant commentaries. The study reveals that while mainstream Buddhist society often perceives the 31 realms of existence as physical post-mortem destinations according to traditional cosmologies which are empirically difficult to verify the concept of Bhava in both Bhava Suttas explicitly demonstrates a psychological mechanism aligned with the principle of Paticcasamuppada (Dependent Origination). The Buddha utilized the metaphor of kamma as the field, viññana (consciousness) as the seed, tanha (craving) as the moisture/sap, and avijja (ignorance) as the hindrance. When consciousness becomes established and grows in an object (the field of kamma) driven by craving and ignorance, Bhava becoming an emotional or mental state is instantly manifested in the present moment as either Kama-bhava, Rupa-bhava, or Arupa-bhava. Understanding the realms of existence through this psychological dimension not only decodes the teaching into a self-verifiable (Sanditthiko) science of the mind but also serves as a crucial key for Dhamma practitioners to remain mindful of mental processes and effectively terminate the cycle of suffering in daily life.