An alternate term of reference for the lower states of cyclic existence (i.e., hell beings, starving spirits, and animals).

Literally “falling down” and hence metaphorically “loss,” “ruin,” “destruction,” or “calamity.” A collective name for the three lower realms of existence, i.e., the realms of animals, ghosts, and hell beings. It occurs often in a formula together with its near-synonyms “evil state,” “the lower worlds,” and “hell” (Pali niraya/naraka; Tib. sems can dmyal ba).