“In certain belief systems, particularly within some interpretations of Hinduism and Buddhism, rebirth as an animal or insect can be seen as a consequence of negative karma accumulated in previous lives
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More specifically, within the Buddhist framework of the Six Realms of Existence (heavenly, demi-god, human, animal, hungry ghost, and hell), the Animal Realm is considered one of the less fortunate or miserable realms of woe. In this context, living as an animal can be viewed as a form of suffering, resulting from past unwholesome actions (karma). “