According to Buddhism there ultimately is no such thing as a self independent from the rest of the universe (the doctrine of anatta). Rebirth in subsequent existences must be understood as the continuation of a dynamic, ever-changing process of "dependent arising" ("pratītyasamutpāda") determined by the laws of cause and effect (karma) rather than that of one being, transmigrating or incarnating from one existence to the next.
Each rebirth takes place within one of five realms according to Theravadins, or six according to other schools. These are further subdivided into 31 planes of existence:
1.Naraka beings: those who live in one of many Narakas (Hells);
2.Preta: sometimes sharing some space with humans, but invisible to most people; an important variety is the hungry ghost;
3.Animals: sharing space with humans, but considered another type of life;
4.Human beings: one of the realms of rebirth in which attaining Nirvana is possible;
5.Asuras: variously translated as lowly deities, demons, titans, antigods; not recognized by Theravāda (Mahavihara) tradition as a separate realm;
6.Devas including Brahmas: variously translated as gods, deities, spirits, angels, or left untranslated.
