Question 74: MOST RELIGIONS FOCUS ON THE AFTERLIFE, FOLLOWERS HOPE TO ASCEND TO HIGHER REALMS AND DWELL WITH DEITIES AFTER DEATH. WHAT IS BUDDHISM’S VIEW ON THIS?

Answer: The Buddha taught about six realms of existence into which all beings can be reborn. So understanding these realms is essential for guiding one’s spiritual practice appropriately. However, according to the Buddha’s teachings, the existence of beings in none of these realms is permanent. Depending on the amount of merit or demerit accumulated, beings will reside in these realms for varying lengths of time.

If one wishes to be reborn in a higher, more blissful, and holy realm, three core practices must be cultivated:

• Accumulating a significant amount of good karma. Because just a little merit is not sufficient to elevate one from a lower realm to a higher one.
• Perfecting moral conduct to be virtuous, profound, and perfect, as superficial efforts cannot lead to significant progress.  
• Achieving a deep and tranquil state of concentration in meditation, reaching specific and notable results.

Some religions absolutely believe in the power of prayers, trusting that constant supplication to Divine Beings will help one be taken to a higher realm after death. However, the Buddha once stated that prayers are not as powerful as the practice of morality and meditation. If one has already fulfilled the three core practices mentioned above, then prayers might act as the straw that broke the camel’s back, ensuring rebirth in a Heaven realm.

Therefore, the efforts we make in this current life are what truly matter. We must focus on each moment in the present, dedicating ourselves to service, moral cultivation, and meditation practice, and let the Law of Cause and Effect work justly. If we are overly concerned with the afterlife and neglect our responsibilities in the present, then religion may inadvertently become irrelevant to society, which is not beneficial.