Significance of Higher realms
The concept of the Higher realm encompasses multiple spiritual and existential planes across various traditions. In Vaishnavism and Purana, it signifies elevated states above the ordinary world that beings can aspire to attain through devotion or piety. Ayurveda views the Higher realm as goals for enhanced physical and psychological health. In Mahayana, it includes favorable existence states like humans and gods, achieved through virtuous actions. Theravada interprets the Higher realm as domains where beings can achieve Nibbana, transcending ordinary human experience.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Higher realms'
The Higher realm in Buddhism signifies states of existence like humans, gods, and asuras that reflect favorable conditions. These realms facilitate spiritual growth and the attainment of Nibbana, yet they are temporary and not final liberation states.
From: The Great Chariot
(1) States of existence associated with happiness and spiritual ascent, from which we can be led away by desires.[1] (2) Better states of existence that one can attain through a good life and virtuous actions.[2] (3) The advanced spiritual states or destinations that practitioners aim to reach through the guidance of their spiritual friends.[3] (4) Spiritual states or existences that are above the lower realms and are associated with enlightenment and goodness.[4] (5) Existential planes of happiness, such as gods and human beings, linked to positive karma.[5]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) The three realms of existence that allow for greater experiences of joy: humans, demi-gods, and celestial beings.[6] (2) The three higher states of existence that include humans, gods, and asuras, associated with favorable conditions.[7] (3) Higher realms are favorable birth states in the cycle of existence that can be attained through virtuous actions, but these are temporary and not ultimate states of liberation.[8]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) One of the possible states of existence (along with lower and middle realms) in which consciousness can manifest.[9] (2) Refers to rupa- and arupyadhatu, the elevated states of existence that are contrasted with the lower world and its sufferings.[10]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Spiritual domains of existence above the ordinary human experience where beings can attain Nibbana.[11]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The advanced spiritual planes or states of being where enlightened beings reside.[12]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) Spiritual planes aimed to be attained through various rituals and practices, emphasized in the exposition.[13]
Hindu concept of 'Higher realms'
In Hinduism, the "Higher realm" signifies elevated spiritual planes attainable through devotion, representing states of existence beyond the physical world, emphasizing aspirations for holistic health and transcending mundane experiences.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The spiritual and transcendent layers associated with the supreme being, distinctly separate from physical elements.[14]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Spiritual planes or states of existence that beings may aspire to attain through piety or devotion.[15]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Spiritual planes of existence that are considered to be above the mundane or earthly realm.[16] (2) A spiritual or elevated plane of existence that is considered to be above the ordinary physical world.[17]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) The aspirational goals of achieving physical and psychological health beyond mere survival.[18]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) Collectively referred to as 'svarga,' these are the realms inhabited by devatas and higher beings.[19]