World cycles (Buddhism)

Buddhism refers to millions of world cycles of dissolution and evolution or contraction and expansion with periods superseding contraction or expansion. Thus each cycle is in four parts or aeons. The world cycle may be destroyed by fire, water or air, when all is demolished up to a particular Brahma world. These are the limits on contraction or dissolution. In breadth one Buddha-field is demolished (in the field of his birth, ten thousand world spheres or systems; in the field of his authority, one hundred thousand million world spheres or systems; in the field of his sphere, to an infinite extent, as far as he wishes).

The world's destruction is because of unprofitable or immoral roots. When greed or lust is most conspicuous the world is destroyed by fire. When hate is superabundant the world is destroyed by water (some sources reverse these two). If delusion is more conspicuous then destruction is by wind. There are seven destructions by fire then an eighth by water until the 64th aeon which is destroyed by wind. Fire destroys to the Abhassara (streaming radiance) world, water to the Subhakinha (refulgent glory), and wind to the Vehapphala (great fruit) world.

Knowing the approaching end of an aeon, deities prophesy on earth. They entreat development of good qualities such as lovingkindness, compassion, gladness and equanimity leading to rebirth in the divine world. Those acquiring jhana in the divine world are reborn in the Brahma world.