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The way Out is In
The ten realms in us function like TV channels we can “tune” into without dying—Buddha, bodhisattva, self-awakened, student (Śrāvaka), animal, hungry ghost (preta), hell-inmate, asura, deva (god) and human. When one realm manifests, the other nine go “off-screen,” yet we carry all ten within. Reincarnation or rebirth happens in each moment—push the “Buddha” button through mindful breathing and you are reborn as a Buddha now.
Our negative mental formations (anger, jealousy, despair) are like organic garbage: essential for compost but harmful if ignored. By looking deeply—with loving eyes on our “compost”—we transform these energies back into compassion, understanding and joy. Love can turn to hate in months; hate can revert to love just as swiftly when handled with insight and care.
The Sangha is our raft across the river of suffering. Mindful walking, breathing and eating practiced together ground us in solidity and freedom—no need to wait for a bell. Even in prison or conflict, a Sangha offers dignity, support and refuge. Building Sangha—small or large—is the noblest task of our time, because only together can we prevent each other from sinking into hell and awaken as bodhisattvas and Buddhas.
