The Influence of Buddhist Mythology on the Soul Society in Bleach
Bleach's profound connection with Buddhist mythology is beautifully evident in the Soul Society Tite Kubo skillfully weaves the cycle of life, the divine status of Soul Reapers, and the intricate realms of existence into his captivating narrative
Article Key Points
Bleach incorporates Buddhist mythology, with the Soul Society representing the realms of existence and reincarnation, adding depth to the story.
In Bleach, the concept of the Wheel of Life, consisting of six planes of existence, is portrayed. Here, the Soul Society symbolizes the realm of the Devas. Additionally, the lower realms in Bleach, including Hueco Mundo and the notion of Hell, take influence from Buddhist mythology, contributing to the equilibrium of the storyline.
Bleach, an anime series, incorporates elements from Buddhist mythology to enhance its world. Author Tite Kubo incorporates numerous references rooted in Buddhism, some more obvious than others but all intricately connected to the show's theme.
One specific aspect derived from Buddhism is the Soul Society itself, which symbolizes different realms of existence and the idea of reincarnation. Each realm depicted in the series represents a different stage within the cycle of life. Additionally, the events that occur in the Soul Society align with the show's utilization of Buddhist cosmology, further enriching the already profound storyline.
The Samsara of Life
The Wheel of Life, a fundamental concept in Buddhist cosmology, symbolizes the cycle of life and rebirth. Within this concept, there are six planes of existence, where individuals are reborn based on their past actions and sins. The Deva and Asura realms are planes inhabited by gods, demi-gods, and those who have achieved a certain level of enlightenment.
Similar to the Deva realm, the Soul Society is a plane that is attained by those who have performed good deeds in their previous lives. However, the Soul Society also contains elements of the Asura realm, as its inhabitants do not fully embody beings who have achieved enlightenment. As the Asura realm is known to be home to demons, it is possible that the Soul Society is a combination of both the Deva and Asura realms, with the Rukon District serving as its Asura counterpart.
The World of the Living is the realm where the Human and Animal planes coexist within the series. This realm is distinct from the Preta and Naraka realms, which are also featured in the series. Preta accurately represents the land of Hollows, while Hell is a separate plane that already exists in Bleach. In accordance with the series' reincarnation system, humans are reborn in the newer realms based on their sins and actions in the World of the Living.
Soul Reapers as Gods of Their Realm
Given its origins in the Deva realm, the Soul Society naturally reflects the characteristics of the Devas themselves. Numerous resemblances can be observed between Soul Reapers and the deities dwelling in the Deva plane, suggesting a deliberate connection to Buddhist mythology. While some mistake the Deva realm for a celestial realm similar to heaven, it is actually a realm inhabited by gods. The Soul Society functions in a similar manner, as it does not represent a conventional heaven but rather a realm where blessed souls reside.
The similarities between the inhabitants of these realms are even more apparent when comparing them to each other. The gods in the Deva realm enjoy exclusive luxuries, remaining blissfully unaware of the perpetual suffering in the lower realms. Similarly, the Soul Reapers in the Soul Society have a disregard for the plight of the Rukon District, choosing to live in a peaceful and luxurious bubble within the walls of the Soul Society.
The Lower Realms of Existence
As the Soul Society assumes the position of the supreme realm, Bleach's framework accommodates the inclusion of other realms. One of the most notable among these lower realms is Hueco Mundo, an intermediate plane located between the Soul Society and the living world. In this vast expanse, Hollows, entities that populate this realm, traverse the lands in search of wayward souls who have unintentionally wandered into this domain.
Hueco Mundo is a clear reference to the Preta realm in Buddhist mythology. According to Buddhists, this realm is inhabited by ghoulish creatures with an insatiable hunger. Hollows align perfectly with this description, as they relentlessly seek out human souls to satisfy their endless appetite. Despite consuming countless souls, these creatures remain voracious, constantly in search of their next prey.
Furthermore, the Naraka realm is symbolized by Hell or the Underworld. Hollows who have committed heinous crimes in their previous lives are banished to the Underworld instead of being sent to the Soul Society after being purified by a Soul Reaper. Although this concept is not extensively explored in the series, the presence of the Gates of Hell solidifies the existence of Hell in Bleach. By incorporating the Soul Society and the idea of the Underworld, Bleach unmistakably draws inspiration from Buddhist mythology and maintains equilibrium among its realms through the cycle of life and death.
Bleach is available to stream on Crunchyroll.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I appreciate the way Bleach incorporates elements of Buddhist mythology into its storyline. The concept of the Soul Society as a realm of existence and reincarnation adds depth and complexity to the show's universe. I also enjoy the way the different realms in Bleach, such as Hueco Mundo and Hell, are based on Buddhist cosmology. This gives the show a rich and nuanced mythology that sets it apart from other anime series.
Overall, I think Bleach's use of Buddhist mythology is a great example of how mythology can be used to enhance a story. It adds depth, complexity, and richness to the world of Bleach, and it makes the show more interesting and engaging for fans.
