The Six Realms of Samsara: Stories for Awakening

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Inspired by the Buddhist symbol of the Wheel of Life, Lindsey Arnold casts a vivid portrayal of the six realms of samsara, which are the states of suffering within the cycle of rebirth. Though gods, demi-gods, hungry ghosts, inhabitants of hell, animals, and humans all live within these realms, this is not a book of fairy tales. No mythical monsters or otherworldly beings are depicted herein. On the contrary, these pages describe ordinary existence, wherein gods and hungry ghosts are as recognizable to us as any of our neighbors, family members and friends … maybe even ourselves.

Just as the detailed pictures painted on the symbol on the Wheel are meant to encourage contemplation of the conditions of life and the true causes of suffering, so too are the depictions of people and events in Ms Arnold’s stories. 

It may be assumed that life in the realm of the gods or even the demi-gods is more pleasurable than life in hell or life as a hungry ghost or animal, but the lives of the characters within this collection of short stories shows us otherwise.  In the realm of gods a Hollywood icon has experienced the painful fall from the heights of her fans' adulation. In the realm of the demi-god a young, ambitious couple negotiate the perils of their occupations and try to balance their principles, their health, and even their relationship against the weight of success. A hungry ghost is starved for attention and seeks it incessantly,  yet fearfully runs from intimate relationships.  A family lives a hellish existence, a street kid struggles to maintain his humanity, and a young woman discovers the true source of her own and her mother's suffering. 

We become privy to the intimate thoughts and experiences of all these characters, and we recognize them as all too familiar. Reading their stories helps us to realize that, in our own way, we are all suffering. 

The Six Realms of Samsara: Stories for Awakening contains tales of woe and hardship, but there is never a hint of condemnation, and there are moments of comic relief.  Ultimately, there is a sense of hope. It is hoped that by stimulating the witness within, the stories encourage acceptance, compassion, and perhaps, change.  It is the first noble truth in Buddhism that the acknowledgement of our struggles is the first step toward awakening consciousness.  If we begin to see the true state of our existence — without feeling any shame or indignation — we can relate our own struggles with that of others and experience true optimism. 

As a means of enhancing the reading experience, Ms Arnold also offers a brief explanation of the Wheel of Life, including the Buddhist notions of samsara (the cycle of rebirth), karma (actions that  both emerge from and perpetuate our personal, particular state), the three poisons (ignorance, grasping, and aversion) and nirvana (the state of no self). Through contemplation on the Wheel of Life, it is possible to awaken, and to discover the means to end all suffering and attain enlightenment.