five paths [五道・五趣] ( go-dō or go-shu): The five realms or worlds into which living beings are born in accord with the law of causality. Their good or bad deeds in this life determine the realm of their rebirth. The five realms correspond to five of the Ten Worlds: the realms of hell, hungry spirits, animals, human beings, and heavenly beings. As such, they can also be interpreted as states or conditions of life. With the realm of asuras they constitute the six paths.