Default moods and mindstates

In episode 222, Annalisa Castaldo, an ordained Zen Buddhist priest, joined us to talk about Zen Buddhism, mindfulness, and relationships, and this week she’s back to discuss habitual mindstates and the Buddhist concept of the six realms.

Even though this is a Buddhist concept, everyone can benefit from learning about habitual mindstates. These can be recurring states, or even default states, that we return to because they’re familiar and comfortable. These habitual states aren’t necessarily good things (sometimes they can be depression, anger, etc.), but it’s important to recognize them to be able to more easily get through the ups and downs that we all experience in life and relationships.

The six realms

The Buddhist concept of the six realms focuses on rebirth and existence, and correspond with different mental and emotional states:

• Deva, or God Realm: material wealth, freedom from want and long life, but is also the realm of indolence, indifference to others, and addiction.

• Asura, or Demigod Realm: jealousy, envy, competitiveness, desire for power.

• Human Realm: confusion and doubt, but also the only realm where change and/or waking up happens.

• Animal Realm: survival, acting on instinct, fear, focus on sensual pleasures (including food, sleep, etc., not just sex).

• Hungry Ghost Realm: craving that can never be satisfied.

• Hell: hatred and unreasonable anger.

Listen to the full episode to get Annalisa’s full explanations and perspective on habitual mindstates and the six realms. You can also find more about Annalisa at sojizencenter.com, or check out the Buddhist magazine Lion’s Roar to learn more about Buddhism in general.