The History of Buddhist Thought c17.24

c17.24

(i) *Kāmāvacara*, the plane in which there is enjoyment of the five senses, corresponds to the first abode inhabited by beings with variety of body and variety of perceptions. It includes human beings, some gods, and some beings in the three states of punishment : (*a*) the hells, of which there are eight hot hells, the lowest being *Avīci*.¹ Besides these are eight cold hells and other minor hells, which are probably a later addition ; (*b*) The sphere of the pretas ; (*c*) the world of men ; (*d*) the lower heavens, including the heaven of the four Great Kings, of the Thirty-three gods, ruled by Śakra or Indra, the Yāma gods, Nirmāṇarati gods (delighting in transformation), and the Paranirmitavaśavartin gods (having power over the transformation of others).