The Three Worlds

UPANISHAD FOUR: THE WORLD

Sloka 41

Where Did This Universe Come from?

God Siva created the world and all things in it. He creates from moment to moment every atom of the physical universe that we can see and the spiritual universe we cannot see. Everything is within Him. He is within everything.

Sloka 42

What Is the Nature of The Physical World?

The physical world is called the Bhuloka. It is the realm of material substance. Everything in the physical world is experienced through the five senses. It is the smallest of the three worlds, and the one most subject to change.

Sloka 43

What Is the Nature of The Subtle World?

The subtle world is called the Antarloka. It is the mental-emotional plane that we experience through thought and feeling. It is where we live fully when we sleep and when we die. This astral world exists inside the physical world.

Sloka 44

What Is the Nature of The Divine World?

The divine world, called the Sivaloka, is the highest of heavens and home of our true Self. This realm of light, where the Gods and great souls live, exists deep within the subtle world. We can experience it through meditation and temple worship.

Sloka 45

Does the Universe Ever End? Is it Real?

The universe ends when time, form and space merge in God. This is called the Great Dissolution, but it is not permanent. Everything is created again by God Siva in the next cosmic cycle. The universe is real, not an illusion, though it is constantly changing.