Significance of Heaven
Heaven in various philosophies represents the ultimate spiritual destination, often achieved through virtuous actions and sacrifices. In Hinduism, it symbolizes divine favor and success, while Jainism emphasizes celestial realms for spiritually elevated souls, categorized into different types. Vaishnavism describes Heaven as an eternal realm characterized by divine presence and stability. In Purana, it's the reward for righteous conduct, offering eternal bliss. Common themes across these beliefs highlight Heaven as a state of joy and fulfillment, attainable through adherence to moral and spiritual practices.
Synonyms: Paradise, Nirvana, Celestial realm, Promised land, Afterlife, Celestial kingdom
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 is interpreted as a blissful realm achieved through virtuous living, embodying joy and divine favor, yet still part of the rebirth cycle, symbolizing a desirable spiritual state inspired by good deeds and positive karma.
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]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary by Hsuan Hua)
(1) A realm where Gavampati was instructed to live, where he could avoid being disrespected by humans and could receive offerings from gods.[3] (2) A metaphorical realm that is often confused with everyday experiences in the context of a person's dream or spiritual journey.[4]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) A state of bliss and happiness achieved through virtuous living, often depicted in Buddhism as a desirable realm.[5]
From: The Sutra of the Past Vows of Earth Store Bodhisattva
(1) A state of existence or realms associated with positive karma and good deeds, as opposed to the suffering found in hells.[6]
From: The 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.[7]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) A state of existence discussed in the teachings, representing a place of bliss achieved through good deeds.[8]
Hindu concept of 'Heaven'
Heaven in Hinduism represents a spiritual realm where virtuous souls reside post-death, signifying ultimate bliss and divine communion, attained through righteous actions, devotion, and adherence to spiritual practices, often contrasted with hell for sinners.
From: The Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The celestial realm or abode of the Gods where the virtuous reside after death.[9] (2) The celestial realms where beings experience the fruits of their good deeds and enjoy divine pleasures.[10] (3) 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.[11] (4) Refers to the elevated realms that souls can attain post-mortem, contingent on their deeds and merits accrued during their earthly lives.[12] (5) The celestial realm that King Harishcandra is encouraged to ascend to, representing ultimate spiritual reward.[13]
From: The Padma Purana
(1) The spiritual realm where souls go after death, particularly highlighted for those who died at the holy places like Haridvara.[14] (2) A spiritual realm attained by good deeds and sacrifices, contrasted with the vow-keeper's eventual reward of Vaikuntha.[15] (3) The ultimate spiritual destination characterized by bliss and joy, attained through devotion, righteous deeds, and adherence to religious practices.[16] (4) A transcendent realm of existence depicted as a place of peace and fulfillment after death.[17] (5) A realm of existence where the righteous are said to go after death, often associated with eternal happiness and divine presence.[18]
From: The Skanda Purana
(1) Refers to the realm of the Devas, who were driven from it by Taraka, representing loss and the quest for reclamation.[19] (2) The final destination for Manikarnika and her husband after being resurrected, symbolizing a reward for their devotion.[20] (3) Celestial realms associated with divine beings and a state of eternal bliss, accessible to individuals of righteous conduct.[21] (4) The realm to which devotees aim to attain through the worship of Lord Jalashayin and following his injunctions.[22] (5) A spiritual realm that the text describes as the ultimate goal for souls who live virtuous lives.[23]
From: The Agni Purana
(1) The spiritual realm that one could attain by reading the account mentioned in the text.[24] (2) The spiritual rewards or afterlife that the yajamana is believed to attain as a result of participating in the rituals.[25] (3) Dyo, a noun for heaven showcasing its various grammatical forms across different cases.[26] (4) Where Rama's father, King Dasharatha, is described as having reached after his death.[27]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A state of being that one can attain through having fruitful offspring, as described in Galava's teachings.[28] (2) In this context, a place of honor where one goes after fulfilling their duty and valor in battle.[29] (3) The celestial realm or place of bliss and reward for virtuous deeds.[30]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) The ultimate destination achieved by Duracara after her transformation from unchaste to pure through sacred learning.[31] (2) The ultimate state or place that the two girls aspired to attain after giving up their condition as trees.[32]
From: The Nilamata Purana
(1) The ultimate spiritual destination that individuals can reach through righteous acts and purification.[33]
From: The Brahma Purana
(1) A spiritual realm of happiness and reward for virtuous living done on Earth.[34]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The realm inhabited by virtuous and pious beings, symbolizing ultimate peace and happiness.[35]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The state of bliss that the speaker expects to attain after his arms are severed.[36]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The celestial realm or divine abode, often viewed as the ultimate destination of piety or spiritual ascension.[37] (2) A spiritual realm that the supplicant wishes to reach, where he hopes to behold the Lord and serve Him.[38] (3) 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.[39] (4) The ultimate destination that the Alvar is being taken to by the Lord, representing bliss and divine communion.[40] (5) The eternal realm characterized by stability and divinity, free from chaos and destruction.[41]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A place described as divine or associated with a higher existence, often connected to afterlife or spirituality.[42] (2) The spiritual realm where the forefathers of a Vaishnava are said to dance in joy due to the family’s purification.[43] (3) In this context, refers to the celestial realm from which the parijata tree was brought.[44]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The celestial realm where the great demigods are said to reside and perform this auspicious music.[45] (2) The celestial realm to which the girl is said to have ascended, indicating an exalted status.[46] (3) A realm associated with divine beings and ultimate bliss, often depicted as a place of reward and purity in various religious texts.[47]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) The positive afterlife promised to those who treat brahmins with consideration and honor.[48]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The third part of Brahman's foot, symbolizing the celestial realm.[49] (2) Known as svah, it signifies the realm of divine beings and ultimate peace.[50] (3) Referred to as divam, it symbolizes the celestial sphere or the divine realm above the earthly existence.[51]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) A state of existence or reward that can be attained as a result of meditative practices.[52] (2) A state or place that the sacrificer aims to attain through the performance of agnihotra.[53]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) A spiritual realm of existence, often associated with peace and reward for righteous actions.[54]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The spiritual realm where the agnihotri is believed to be conducted through the luminous rays of the sun after performing the ritual.[55]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A divine realm where souls reside after performing good actions, designed metaphorically as a place of enjoyment.[56]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A possible outcome associated with eating in accordance to the specific directions, particularly facing the North.[57] (2) The ultimate spiritual realm or state of being where one experiences unsurpassable bliss after death, based on their moral actions.[58] (3) The spiritual realm or place of ultimate reward, which is compromised by the act of performing inadequate sacrifices.[59] (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.[60] (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.[61]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) The reward or state of joy and fulfillment that comes from meditative devotion to the Atman.[62]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) A spiritual realm or state of existence attained through moral living and fulfillment of spiritual duties.[63]
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.[64] (2) The ultimate destination Makaradamshtra hopes to reach with the aid of Rupinika and Lohajangha.[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: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) A spiritual realm or state of existence characterized by bliss and divine presence.[67]
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.[68]
Jain concept of 'Heaven'
In Jainism, Heaven represents multiple celestial realms for souls reborn based on karma, including divine abodes of deities, rewards for virtuous actions, and varying durations aligned with spiritual elevation and belief, as highlighted by Mahavira.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A spiritual realm of existence regarded as a reward for virtuous lives and pious actions.[69] (2) devasadman, n. 6. 6. 219, refers to a divine realm where deities reside.[70] (3) A desirable afterlife or spiritual realm that some kings mentioned in the text reached as a consequence of their actions.[71] (4) The ultimate realm where deities reside, emphasizing the spiritual elevation of the narrative.[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]