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Significance of Fivefold-path

The Fivefold paths in Mahayana Buddhism refer to a classification system comprising five distinct categories: the path of the damned, the path of animals, the path of pretas, the path of humans, and the path of gods. This framework is used to understand moral conduct and the concepts of dharma within the spiritual journey. Each path highlights different aspects of existence and moral states, reflecting the diverse experiences within the cycle of life and rebirth.

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Fivefold-path'

Buddhism Books

The Fivefold paths in Buddhism categorize existence into five realms: the damned, animals, pretas, humans, and gods. These classifications are essential for understanding moral conduct and one's alignment with dharma in the cycle of life.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) Paths consisting of five categories, including the path of the damned, path of animals, path of pretas, humans, and gods, along with other classifications relating to morality and dharma.[1]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Plural form: Fivefold paths.