What are the "10 Worlds" in Buddhism?

Question

I remember seeing a document that explained that there were 9 or 10 "worlds" that your spirit can be living in... like "heaven" "hell" "bodhisatva" etc...

Do you know the others? Also, what kind of Buddhism is this that I'm referring to? Is it the same in Zen Buddhism?

Answer 1

This is the general term for the "things", noumenal or phenomenal. In Buddhism, there are ten states of existence, which are also called Ten Dharma Realms. Each Dharma realm has its own characteristics, and its existence is attributed to the retribution of the beings. These ten realms do not appear to be discrete in their forms, as their existence is virtually determined by the state of mind. Therefore, it is important to note that the ten Dharma realms are not beyond a single thought.
The lowest six realms are known as the Six Paths or Six Realms of Rebirth. These six states of existence are subjected to birth and death, and then rebirth for many lives. One's state of existence depends on one's karmic activities. With evil karmic power, one will be born in the lowest three realms, known as Three Evil Path (of transmigration). With good and kind karma, one will be born in the upper three realms, known as Three Good Paths (of transmigration).
The upper four realms are known as the Four Holy Realms. These four states of existence are beyond birth and death and liberated from the Samara.
The Ten Dharma Realms consist of:
(a) Six Realms of Rebirth
1) Hell
2) Ghost
3) Animal
4) Asura
5) Human
6) Deva

(b) Four Holy Realms

7) Sravaka (Sound-Hearer Arhat)
8) Praetyka-Buddha (Those enlightened to conditions)
9) Bodhisattva
10) Buddha

Traditionally, Buddhism teaches the existence of the ten realms of being. At the top is Buddha and the scale descends as follows: Bodhisattva (an enlightened being destined to be a Buddha, but purposely remaining on earth to teach others), Pratyeka Buddha (a Buddha for himself), Sravka (direct disciple of Buddha), heavenly beings (superhuman [angels?]), human beings, Asura (fighting spirits), beasts, Preta (hungry ghosts), and depraved men (hellish beings).

Now, these ten realms may be viewed as unfixed, nonobjective worlds, as mental and spiritual states of mind. These states of mind are created by men's thoughts, actions, and words. In other words, psychological states. These ten realms are "mutually immanent and mutually inclusive, each one having in it the remaining nine realms." For example, the realm of human beings has all the other nine states (from hell to Buddhahood). Man is at the same time capable of real selfishness, creating his own hell, or is truly compassionate, reflecting the compassion of Amida Buddha. Buddhas too have the other nine realms in their minds, for how can a Buddha possibly save those in hell if he himself does not identify with their suffering and guide them to enlightenment.

Answer 2

Hell, Preta, Animals, Ashura, Humans, Deva, Sravaka, paccekabuddha, bodhisatva, Buddhas.

All Buddhism believes in this scheme.

Answer 3

The ten "worlds" are defiantly a part of all Buddhist philosophy.
You can check out this chart, that tells you what they are.
Theravada Buddhism includes Zen.
Go here:
http://www.nbaa.tv/IntroBook/ten_worlds_chart.html

I studied Buddhism for a few years, I personally found Pure land Buddhist thought to be very interesting. It's of the Mahayana form, not Theravada. Both are interesting and good practices.
I liked some Tibetan, too.
Here is a vast web site for anyone interested in Buddhism.
http://www.buddhanet.net/