<p>In <a href="https://personal.carthage.edu/jlochtefeld/buddhism/wheeloflife/sixrealms.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">this</a> page's explanation of the six realms of existence the human realm is presented as below, it reads a bit off.</p>
<p>Is it not possible, for example in the heavenly realm, to make a good choice and aim for liberation? aren't their Suttas that indicate the existence of liberated beings or of beings that are greatly cultivated and working their way for final realize in the heavenly realm?</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Human Realm</p>
<p>The human realm is the only one in which one’s choices (good or bad)
affect one’s future—in all the others, one is either being rewarded or
punished for one’s actions as a human being.  One’s present human
condition (e.g., wealth, social status, and physical and psychological
qualities) is based on one’s past karma, but one’s present choices
also determine one’s future (in this life, or a future life).  <strong>As
conscious moral agents, human beings have agency that the beings in
other realms do not</strong>; this clearly underscores the importance of moral
action and spiritual development.</p>
<p>...</p>
</blockquote>

<karma><volition>
Is the human realm the only one where conscious moral choice is possible?
# Is the human realm the only one where conscious moral choice is possible?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2021-07-30)

In [this](https://personal.carthage.edu/jlochtefeld/buddhism/wheeloflife/sixrealms.html) page's explanation of the six realms of existence the human realm is presented as below, it reads a bit off.

Is it not possible, for example in the heavenly realm, to make a good choice and aim for liberation? aren't their Suttas that indicate the existence of liberated beings or of beings that are greatly cultivated and working their way for final realize in the heavenly realm?

> Human Realm
>
> The human realm is the only one in which one’s choices (good or bad)
> affect one’s future—in all the others, one is either being rewarded or
> punished for one’s actions as a human being. One’s present human
> condition (e.g., wealth, social status, and physical and psychological
> qualities) is based on one’s past karma, but one’s present choices
> also determine one’s future (in this life, or a future life). **As
> conscious moral agents, human beings have agency that the beings in
> other realms do not**; this clearly underscores the importance of moral
> action and spiritual development.
>
> ...

**Tags:** karma, volition


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## 0 answers

