What are the Ten Worlds?

The Ten Worlds describe ten fundamental life-conditions—Hell, Hunger, Animality, Anger, Humanity, Heaven, Learning, Realization, Bodhisattva, and Buddhahood. Nichiren Shoshu teaches that we each possess all Ten Worlds, and through practice we can cause Buddhahood to emerge amid ordinary circumstances.

Understanding the Ten Worlds

These life-states are dynamic and interrelated. We can move from one world to another in an instant depending on our thoughts and actions. Recognizing them helps us respond wisely to ourselves and others.

• Hell: Extreme suffering and despair.
• Hunger: Endless craving or dissatisfaction.
• Animality: Acting on instinct without regard for consequence.
• Anger: Arrogance and the need to dominate.
• Humanity: Calmness and the ability to reflect.
• Heaven: Temporary joy based on favorable circumstances.
• Learning: Seeking truth from others’ teachings.
• Realization: Gaining insight through personal experience.
• Bodhisattva: Compassionately striving to help others.
• Buddhahood: A life-condition of boundless wisdom, courage, and compassion.

Mutual possession of the Ten Worlds

Nichiren taught that each world contains the potential for all the others. Even when we feel trapped in Hell, Buddhahood is present. Chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo to the Gohonzon instantly summons the highest world, enabling us to transform suffering into mission.

Daily practice elevates our life-condition

1. Chant daimoku. Vocalizing Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo aligns our life with the Mystic Law and reveals Buddhahood.
2. Perform Gongyo. Reciting the Lotus Sutra passages strengthens determination and gratitude.
3. Study and share. Learning the Gosho and encouraging others expands the Bodhisattva world.
4. Participate in community. Practicing itai doshin with fellow believers helps everyone elevate their life-condition together.

Buddhahood in action

Manifesting Buddhahood does not remove us from daily responsibilities. Instead, it gives us the strength to face them creatively. Members at Myogyoji often report that chanting helped them turn anger into determination, or anxiety into proactive steps that benefit family and colleagues.