Significance of Celestial realm
Synonyms: Divine sphere, Astral plane, Otherworld, Spiritual realm, Sky, Universe, Heaven, Cosmos, Firmament, Outer space, Empyrean, Heavenly realm, Spiritual world, Celestial sphere, Ethereal plane
In Dutch: Hemels rijk; In Finnish: Taivaallinen valtakunta; In Spanish: Reino celestial; In Portugese: Reino celestial; In German: Himmlisches Reich; In French: Royaume céleste; In Polish: Królestwo niebieskie; In Italian: Regno celeste; In Swedish: Himmelska rike; In Malay: Alam cakerawala
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Celestial realm'
The Celestial realm in Buddhism symbolizes higher spiritual dimensions characterized by purity, enlightenment, and divine existence. It represents aspirational states where beings experience happiness and fulfillments like bodhisattvas, achieved through good karma and spiritual practices.
From: The Great Chariot
(1) A location where emanations appear to those above, representing one of the realms in the world realm.[1] (2) When they go upwards, they bring all sentient beings into the happiness of the celestial realms.[2] (3) Higher spiritual planes where beings experience joy and enlightenment, contrasted with lower states of existence.[3] (4) Higher worlds inhabited by divine beings, often associated with happiness and spiritual fulfillment.[4] (5) Refers to the blissful, divine grounds associated with the practices of bodhisattvas and the appearances of wrathful mandalas and heavenly dakinis.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A location where devas belong, who are assembled and requested to be happy and listen to the discourse respectfully.[6] (2) A metaphorical description of Amaravati, likening it to a heavenly place full of abundance and joy.[7]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) The six realms of existence (sagga) associated with divine beings or those who experience a higher form of existence.[8]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) The higher planes of existence inhabited by Devas and Devis, characterized by abundance of sensual pleasures.[9]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) A higher existence where the future Buddha is reborn, specifically among the thirty-three gods; marked by positive karma and a perfect body.[10] (2) The realms of existence where beings may attain high states such as those of Brahma and Indra through the practice of bodhicitta.[11]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Sutra of the Great Vow)
(1) Various heavenly worlds where divine beings such as devas and spirits reside.[12]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Celestial realms pertain to the heavenly domains occupied by devas, symbolizing a realm of beauty, virtue, and higher consciousness.[13]
Hindu concept of 'Celestial realm'
The Celestial realm in Hinduism denotes higher planes of existence, such as Bhuvarloka and Vaikuntha, significant as divine abodes of deities, spiritual purity, and power, often linked to liberation and the afterlife.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The divine afterlife or heavenly place where Sita is said to have reached through her ascetic practices.[14] (2) A divine or heavenly space that is often depicted as a place of great power and prosperity.[15] (3) The heavenly domain from which beings such as Kinneras, Uragas, Gandharvas, and Vidyadharas originate.[16] (4) The heavenly domain that could be safeguarded by the monarch if not for his malevolent actions.[17] (5) The realm of the Gods that Mandhata aspired to conquer, which led to concerns from Indra.[18]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A heavenly or divine place, often associated with spiritual purity and the abode of deities.[19] (2) A higher and divine plane of existence, specifically referencing the realm of Vaikuntha, which is highly regarded in spiritual contexts.[20]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Celestial realms refer to the higher planes of existence, including Bhuvarloka, Svarloka, Maharloka, and Janaloka.[21] (2) a heavenly or divine domain, often associated with gods or higher beings[22]
The concept of Celestial realm in scientific sources
Celestial realm, linked to Lugalgirra, represents the auspicious right side in regional interpretations. Lugalgirra embodies the celestial, signifying a positive association.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) The celestial realm is not a vision of an eternity to come but a taste of how transcendent realms may be accessible within the here and now through gazing at worldly landscapes.[23] (2) This is what historical texts referred to the height of stars, measured using a ruler excavated from a shipwreck.[24] (3) Powerful exotics and knowledge about them were generally thought to be sourced from the fringes of civilisation, from figures who lived partially in the wild and translated materials into marketplaces and domestic circulatory networks, or from these, heavenly visions or encounters in dreams.[25] (4) Lugalgirra seems more representative of the celestial realm, identified with the auspicious right side.[26]
Classical concept of 'Celestial realm'
From: Development of Religion and Thought in Ancient Egypt
(1) The text mentions the king ensconced in a snug post as secretary of the ruler of the "celestial realm," which signifies the divine and heavenly sphere where the gods reside.[27] (2) The celestial realm is confronted by the solitary king, who claims sway over the gods themselves and addresses the Sun-god.[28]