Theory of Karman in Indian Thought

SR No.: 011109
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Koshelya Walli
Publisher: Bharat Manisha
Publication Year: 1977
Total Pages: 377
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 17 MB

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All this is about the lower heavens and their inhabitants, but there are higher heavens also represented by Maha, Jana, Tapa and Salya planes. These heavens are free from the seed of ignorance and contain the basic principles of higher spiritual life arranged in a logical order. The inhabitants of these higher regions have come up by what we regard as the Devayāna Gati which represent the path of Kramamukti. These heavens are recognized as affiliated to the Brahmaloka which has its duration till the existence of the present cosmic system that is until Mahā. pralaya takes place.
The lower heavens are numerous, each having characteristics of its own. 'The heavenly life from the view point of worldly human beings is the happiest life that one can conceive. The heavenly body is light and is characterized by sweet smell and all kinds of intensely pleasurable sensations, but we need not forget the fact that various kinds of sufferings are by all means joined with the comfort of the heavenly life. According to the Garuda Purana, the happiness of the heaven is mixed with the infinite sorrow. After residing in the heavenly abode, there remains the worry of fall in the minds of heavenly creatures day and night.7
Seeing the hellish people, the heavenly people are sorrowful in abundance. They always think that after the enjoyment in heaven lest they also should have the same lot as that of hellish people. Such a worry perplexes them always. The happier the man, the intenser the premonition of the sorrow. Hence after the enjoyment of heavenly happiness, the anxiety of fall and the danger of suffering in the hell pricks their heart like pin. Hence in the nectar of heavenly enjoyment is indeed the intense poison.
1. Garuda Purīļa.
स्वर्गेऽपि दुःखमतुलं यदारोहणकालतः । प्रभत्याहं पतिष्यामि इत्येतद्धृदि वर्तते ॥ नारकांश्चैव संप्रेक्ष्य महदुःखमवाप्यते । एवं गतिमहं नन्व्यत्यहर्निशमनिवृतः ।।
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