Significance of Heaven
Synonyms: Paradise, Nirvana, Elysium, Utopia, Celestial realm, Zion, Divine abode, Eden, Skies, Firmament, Universe, Atmosphere, Expanse, Ether, Sky, Celestial sphere, Eternity
In French: Paradish; In Dutch: Hemel; In Finnish: Taivas; In Spanish: Cielo; In German: Himmel; In Swedish: Himmel; In Malay: Syurga
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Heaven'
In Buddhism, Heaven represents a transcendent state of bliss achieved through virtuous living, characterized by joy and positive karma. It is viewed as a temporary realm within the cycle of rebirth, distinct from ultimate liberation.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The celestial realm from which the seven jewels rained down, signifying divine favor.[1] (2) The realm of existence characterized by pleasure and joy, but not free from the cycle of rebirth.[2] (3) Higher realms or states that may provide temporary positive experiences but are ultimately not considered 'the good place' because they are impermanent.[3]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) A realm where Gavampati was instructed to live, where he could avoid being disrespected by humans and could receive offerings from gods.[4] (2) A metaphorical realm that is often confused with everyday experiences in the context of a person's dream or spiritual journey.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) A state of bliss and happiness achieved through virtuous living, often depicted in Buddhism as a desirable realm.[6]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) A state of existence or realms associated with positive karma and good deeds, as opposed to the suffering found in hells.[7]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) The heavens are mentioned as existing truly, along with the hells, and are a part of the Dhamma teachings, and are true things, good and evil.[8] (2) This is a place that is questioned in the text, along with hell and Nibbana, and the text suggests that these are not beyond the ability of the heart which does the training well to know and gain value from such questions.[9]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The state or place of bliss and virtue, which characters aspire to reach by following the right path and fulfilling their duties.[10]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The blissful realms where virtuous beings go after their mortal lives.[11]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) A state of existence discussed in the teachings, representing a place of bliss achieved through good deeds.[12]
Hindu concept of 'Heaven'
In Hinduism, Heaven encompasses various interpretations, including a celestial realm of divine beings, a state of moral righteousness, and a spiritual destination achieved through virtuous living, leading to bliss and ultimate peace after death.
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The celestial realm or abode of the Gods where the virtuous reside after death.[13] (2) The celestial realms where beings experience the fruits of their good deeds and enjoy divine pleasures.[14] (3) The ultimate destination for virtuous souls, representing eternal bliss and fulfillment of desires.[15] (4) A realm that is desired by the forefathers of Jaratkaru, which they hoped to attain through his marriage and the birth of a good son.[16] (5) Refers to the elevated realms that souls can attain post-mortem, contingent on their deeds and merits accrued during their earthly lives.[17]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Heaven is mentioned as a place where the lady might be found, and where saints reside.[18] (2) The place where the king's son is said to have gained a blissful seat after his death, as a reward for his heroic actions in battle.[19] (3) The place where Satyavati was raised in a human frame, and became a pure celestial stream.[20] (4) This is a place where the queen will not dwell with her lord because of the wicked things she has done.[21]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A state of being that one can attain through having fruitful offspring, as described in Galava's teachings.[22] (2) In this context, a place of honor where one goes after fulfilling their duty and valor in battle.[23] (3) The celestial realm or place of bliss and reward for virtuous deeds.[24]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The state of bliss that the speaker expects to attain after his arms are severed.[25] (2) The celestial realm that was described as serene, free from lightning or clouds.[26]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) The ultimate destination achieved by Duracara after her transformation from unchaste to pure through sacred learning.[27] (2) The ultimate state or place that the two girls aspired to attain after giving up their condition as trees.[28]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The realm inhabited by virtuous and pious beings, symbolizing ultimate peace and happiness.[29]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) The ultimate spiritual destination that individuals can reach through righteous acts and purification.[30]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) A spiritual realm that the supplicant wishes to reach, where he hopes to behold the Lord and serve Him.[31] (2) The realm where the chanters of the songs are assured to go, where they will recite these ten songs again with the Eternal heroes and released souls.[32] (3) The celestial realm that complements the Earth and ocean, further illustrating the extensive nature of divine influence.[33] (4) The ultimate destination that the Alvar is being taken to by the Lord, representing bliss and divine communion.[34] (5) A figurative place of eternal bliss, contrasted with earthly experiences where divine qualities are often hidden or less impactful.[35]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A place described as divine or associated with a higher existence, often connected to afterlife or spirituality.[36] (2) The spiritual realm where the forefathers of a Vaishnava are said to dance in joy due to the family鈥檚 purification.[37] (3) In this context, refers to the celestial realm from which the parijata tree was brought.[38]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The celestial realm where the great demigods are said to reside and perform this auspicious music.[39] (2) The celestial realm to which the girl is said to have ascended, indicating an exalted status.[40] (3) A realm associated with divine beings and ultimate bliss, often depicted as a place of reward and purity in various religious texts.[41]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) The positive afterlife promised to those who treat brahmins with consideration and honor.[42]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The third part of Brahman's foot, symbolizing the celestial realm.[43] (2) Known as svah, it signifies the realm of divine beings and ultimate peace.[44] (3) Referred to as divam, it symbolizes the celestial sphere or the divine realm above the earthly existence.[45]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) This is mentioned in the text as being woven into the highest Self, along with the earth, and sky, indicating their interconnectedness within the ultimate reality.[46] (2) This is a term that is discussed in relation to Brahman, with the text examining whether it is woven into Brahman.[47] (3) Heaven is described as either an abode or a boundary in different passages, providing a basis for the objection that is ultimately addressed within the text.[48]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) A state of existence or reward that can be attained as a result of meditative practices.[49] (2) A state or place that the sacrificer aims to attain through the performance of agnihotra.[50]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) A spiritual realm of existence, often associated with peace and reward for righteous actions.[51]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara鈥檚 Commentary
(1) The spiritual realm where the agnihotri is believed to be conducted through the luminous rays of the sun after performing the ritual.[52]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A divine realm where souls reside after performing good actions, designed metaphorically as a place of enjoyment.[53]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A possible outcome associated with eating in accordance to the specific directions, particularly facing the North.[54] (2) The ultimate spiritual realm or state of being where one experiences unsurpassable bliss after death, based on their moral actions.[55] (3) The spiritual realm or place of ultimate reward, which is compromised by the act of performing inadequate sacrifices.[56] (4) A spiritual reward or religious belief in the afterlife, connected to the actions of warriors and kings in battle regarding their conduct around booty.[57] (5) A metaphorical reference to a state of moral righteousness or divine favor that one does not fall from despite providing false evidence for pious reasons.[58]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) The reward or state of joy and fulfillment that comes from meditative devotion to the Atman.[59]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) A spiritual realm or state of existence attained through moral living and fulfillment of spiritual duties.[60]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) Represents the celestial realm, acting as a metaphorical lid or covering for the sacrifices.[61]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A realm filled with beautiful faces and nymphs admiring the king, enhancing the divine and celebratory aspect of his arrival.[62] (2) The ultimate destination Makaradamshtra hopes to reach with the aid of Rupinika and Lohajangha.[63]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) This represents a specific location, and is linked to Mercury, potentially indicating the presence of spiritual experiences, or pious matters within the dream.[64] (2) This is a term used to refer to the sky, and the term lagna is occasionally used to refer to an entire chart or figure of the heavens, and in such cases it has been translated as horoscope.[65]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The ultimate destination for the Sacrificer, achieved through the light bestowed by the sacrifice, symbolizing success and divine favor.[66]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) The ultimate goal of sages who, after adhering to spiritual practices and achieving longevity, transition to a higher state of existence.[67]
Jain concept of 'Heaven'
In Jainism, Heaven represents a divine realm where deities reside, reflecting spiritual elevation. It consists of various celestial levels, influenced by karma, and serves as a reward for virtuous living and actions leading to blissful existence.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A spiritual realm of existence regarded as a reward for virtuous lives and pious actions.[68] (2) devasadman, n. 6. 6. 219, refers to a divine realm where deities reside.[69] (3) A desirable afterlife or spiritual realm that some kings mentioned in the text reached as a consequence of their actions.[70] (4) The ultimate realm where deities reside, emphasizing the spiritual elevation of the narrative.[71] (5) A metaphor for a divine realm or state of existence where beings experience bliss and fulfillment.[72]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The celestial realms that the Utpala souls may be reborn into after their existence.[73] (2) The spiritual realm with four types of entry points mentioned by Mahavira, which are categorized into bhavanas, Vyantaras, Jyotishkas, and Vaimanikas.[74] (3) Levels of celestial realms that exist parallel to the hells, with varying durations for souls to dwell.[75]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Heavens (kalpa) are the various celestial realms where the soul can be reborn based on the accumulation and nature of past karma, particularly influenced by right belief.[76]
The concept of Heaven in local and regional sources
Heaven is depicted as a spiritual realm associated with divine presence, a place of revelation and enlightenment, yet also transient, requiring renunciation of earthly attachments to attain true self and ultimate happiness.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Heaven is a place that people desire to go to, but it is a desire after enjoyment, and it is too little and vulgar to think about going there.[77] (2) Those whose mind has become fixed in sameness have conquered this, even in this life, according to the Gita.[78] (3) This is the worst delusion, and the best vision to be had of the "x" is here on this earth.[79] (4) This is a place of reward or paradise, which Buddha did not seek, as he was not driven by personal gain, as opposed to other great men.[80] (5) This is the place where all good is stored, and it is the outcome of a gradual death.[81]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) The place that the person yearned to enter.[82] (2) Heaven was the source from which Imma believed the advantages and blessings he received during his captivity were conferred, according to the text.[83] (3) The heavens are what the Lord made, according to the Psalmist, contrasting with the idols of the nations.[84] (4) Heaven is the place from which Egbert received a revelation and the working of God, preventing him from achieving his planned enterprises, as indicated in the text.[85] (5) Heaven is the dwelling place created by God for the sons of men, as mentioned in the song the brother sang about creation.[86]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A reference to the skies or spiritual realm, suggesting a divine presence.[87]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This refers to the sky or the universe, and its shape and relation to the earth are discussed in the Brahmasiddhanta.[88]