three good paths [三善道] ( san-zendō): The three realms of asuras, human beings, and heavenly beings, as contrasted with the three evil paths of hell, hungry spirits, and animals. They are called “good” because rebirth in these three paths of existence is held to result from one’s good deeds in a previous existence. In contrast, the three evil paths are so called because rebirth in these paths is due to one’s evil deeds in a former life.