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THE WORLDS (LOKAS)
This earth, which is the object of the physical senses and of the knowledge based thereon, is but one of fourteen worlds or regions placed "above" and " below" it, of which (as the sutra says1) knowledge may be obtained by meditation on the solar " nerve " (nādī) susumna in the merudanda. On this nādī six of the upper worlds are threaded, the seventh and highest overhanging it in the Sahasrara-Padma, the thousand-petalled lotus. The sphere of earth (Bhur-loka), with its continents, their mountains and rivers, and with its oceans, is the seventh or lowest of the upper worlds. Beneath it are the Hells and Nether World, the names of which are given below. Above the terrestrial sphere is Bhuvarloka, or the atmospheric sphere known as the antariksa, extending " from the earth to the sun," in which the Siddhas and other celestial beings (devayoni) of the upper air dwell. " From the sun to the pole star " (dhruva) is svarloka, or the heavenly sphere. Heaven (svarga) is that which delights the mind, as hell (naraka) is that which gives it pain.2 In the former is the abode of the Deva and the blest.
1. Bhuvanajnānarh surye sarhyamat, Patanjaii Yoga-Sutra (chap, iii, 26). An account of the lokas is given in Vyasa's commentary on the sutra, in the Vişņu-Purana (Bk. II, chaps, v-vii): and in the Bhagavata, Vayu, and other Puranas.
2. Vişņu-Purana (Bk. II; chap. vi). Virtue is heaven and vice is hell, ibid, Narakaminati = klesarh prapayati, or giving pain. These three spheres are the regions of the consequences of work, and are termed transitory as compared with the three highest spheres, and the fourth, which is of a mixed character. When the jiva has received his reward he is reborn again on earth. For it is not good action, but the knowledge of the Ātma which procures Liberation (moksa). Above Svarloka is Maharloka, and above it the three ascending regions known as the janaloka, tapoloka, and satyaloka, each inhabited by various forms of celestial intelligence of higher and higher degree. Below the earth (Bhuh) and above the nether worlds are the Hells 1 (commencing with Avichi), and of which, according to popular theology, there are thirty-four2 though it is elsewhere said 3 there are as many hells as there are offences for which particular punishments are meted out. Of these six are known as the great hells. Hinduism, however, even when popular, knows nothing of a hell of eternal torment. To it nothing is eternal but the Brahman. Issuing from the Hells the jiva is again reborn to make its future. Below the Hells are the seven nether worlds, Sutala, Vitala, Talatala, Mahatala, Rasatala, Atala, and Patala, where, according to the Puranas, dwell the Naga serpent divinities, brilliant with jewels, and Danavas wander, fascinating even the most austere. Yet below Patala is the form of Vişņu proceeding from the dark quality (tamogunah), known as the Sesa serpent or Ananta bearing the entire world as a diadem, attended by his S'akti Varum,4 his own embodied radiance.
1. Ganabheda of Vahni-Purina. 2. Devi-Purana. 3. Vişņu-Purana. 4. Not " the Goddess of Wine," as Wilson (Vişņu Purana) has it. |
