31 planes of existence

An article by Aung Zaw in the Irrawaddy Feb. issue is quite interesting. (the online version is here)

It is about how Naypidaw is seen by Myanmar's junta leader Than Shwe as the monument of his rule.

The project of building the Hluttaw, or Parliament in Naypidaw has an interesting fact: it is planned to be consisted of 31 buildings.

According to Buddhist cosmology, 31 is the number of planes of existence into which we can reborn. Human belongs to the fifth plane, above other beings such as animal and hungry ghosts, but below the devas-the god-like beings who exists in the realms of form and formlessness.
The important thing to remember about the 31 planes of existence is that they are all subject to suffering. By following the Buddha's teachings, however, one can escape the rounds of rebirth and attain a state that is completely beyond suffering, known as Nirvana.

It began to be even more interesting when it continues (my emphasis) :

In his youth, Than Shwe devoted almost as much time to the study of Buddhist scriptures as he did to learning psychological warfare, the military field in which he has excelled throughout his career. According to one army general who worked with him years ago, the young Than Shwe was "half monk and half army officer"

It reminds me of the interconnection between religion and politics in Buddhist countries (esp.in Southeast Asia). The ruler will project himself, and, in history, he was also projected, as Buddha. It is the Brahmic believe which influenced mainland Southeast Asia for centuries.

One of the important questions is how should this concept be adapted in the midst of the modern, 21st century world?