As is the body so is the universe
The Cosmic Mirror Within Us
Yatha Pinde Tatha Brahmande"—as is the body, so is the universe. This timeless Sanskrit teaching reminds us that our physical body is a microcosm of the universe and this vast macrocosm. The stars, planets, and celestial realms are not just "out there"; their energies are reflected within us, influencing our mind, body, and spirit.
ever wondered how ancient traditions explain the layers of our universe? Hindu cosmology, in particular, fascinates me. This multiverse, known as the Lokas, offers a beautiful framework for understanding our dimensional realms—spanning both the physical and the metaphysical.
In Ayurveda, the health of our body is seen as a dance of the elements and energies that shape the cosmos—earth, water, fire, air, and ether. Similarly, in Jyotish (Vedic astrology), the movement of planets and the karmic blueprint we carry are intertwined with the 14 Lokas, or realms of existence, that govern both the material and spiritual dimensions of life.
These teachings come from the rich Vedic and Puranic traditions, which I often turn to for insight and context. They help me make sense of the direct experiences I've had, both as a child and through my sensitive awareness of this intricate world we live in. i am by no mean an expert however from my embodied gnosis and the more I have worked with purification of the body mind energy system that is our human experience the more this information finds me and resonates. there are many teaching that are
In Hindu cosmology, the universe is understood as multilayered, extending both upward and downward, much like the chakra system within our bodies. In Kundalini yoga, it is said that we have 144 chakras, stretching both above and below, offering a fascinating exploration into the realms of consciousness. However, in this article, I want to purely focus on the interconnected correspondence between our higher and lower realms, as described in Jyotish and the Vedic teachings, particularly through the lens of the 14 Lokas.
The Lokas are not simply physical or mythical locations; they represent different states of consciousness and stages of spiritual development. The upper worlds symbolize our ascension toward the divine, while the lower worlds remind us of the veils of illusion and the challenges inherent in material existence. There are seven upper worlds (Vyahrtis) and seven lower worlds (Patalas), each offering unique realms that range from supreme spiritual planes to mystical underworlds.
From the earthly Bhu Loka to the divine Satya Loka and the mysterious depths of Patala, each Loka invites us to reflect on the interconnectedness of all existence. Together, they form a cosmic tapestry where every action, thought, and desire shapes one’s journey, reminding us that both our ascension and challenges are integral to the same universal process.
The 14 Lokas and their Relevance to Our Bodies
Higher Lokas (Urdhva Lokas – Heavenly Realms)
These represent spiritual evolution, higher consciousness, and divine energies.
Satya Loka (Brahma Loka)
Meaning: The realm of truth and the abode of Brahma, the creator. It is the ultimate spiritual realm, free from material existence.
Body Connection: Represents the Sahasrara (Crown Chakra), symbolizing enlightenment, unity, and the ultimate connection to the divine.
Tapa Loka
Meaning: The realm of meditation and penance, home to enlightened beings who have transcended material desires.
Body Connection: Associated with the Ajna (Third Eye Chakra), the center of intuition, insight, and higher wisdom.
Jana Loka
Meaning: The realm of sages and saints who are spiritually advanced and reside in bliss.
Body Connection: Corresponds to the Vishuddha (Throat Chakra), representing purity, expression, and higher knowledge.
Mahar Loka
Meaning: The realm of great sages who experience a balance between material and spiritual existence.
Body Connection: Linked to the Anahata (Heart Chakra), embodying love, compassion, and balance.
Swar Loka (Svarga Loka)
Meaning: The realm of the gods, often referred to as "heaven," where beings enjoy the fruits of good karma.
Body Connection: Associated with the Manipura (Solar Plexus Chakra), representing power, vitality, and purpose.
Bhuvar Loka
Meaning: The realm of semi-divine beings, like celestial spirits. It is the intermediate space between heaven and Earth.
Body Connection: Corresponds to the Svadhisthana (Sacral Chakra), symbolizing creativity, flow, and subtle energy.
Bhu Loka (Earth Realm)
Meaning: The physical realm where humans reside.
Body Connection: Represents the Muladhara (Root Chakra), the foundation of physical existence, survival, and grounding.
Lower Lokas (Adho Lokas – Netherworlds)
These realms symbolise karmic burdens, unresolved energies, and unconscious patterns.
Atala
Meaning: The first underworld, associated with illusions and material temptations.
Body Connection: Reflects subconscious fears and attachments in the lower abdomen.
Vitala
Meaning: A realm of dark desires and power struggles.
Body Connection: Related to blockages in energy flow within the navel area.
Sutala
Meaning: A balanced realm where humility and awareness are cultivated.
Body Connection: Linked to the pelvic region and the transformative power of self-awareness.
Talatala
Meaning: The realm of confusion and ignorance.
Body Connection: Reflects repressed emotions in the lower spine and abdomen.
Mahatala
Meaning: A place of unconscious fears and inertia.
Body Connection: Symbolizes heaviness or stagnation in the legs and lower body.
Rasatala
Meaning: The realm of selfishness and lack of spiritual insight.
Body Connection: Relates to the feet, grounding us yet limiting our spiritual elevation.
Patala
Meaning: The lowest realm, home to serpentine beings, symbolising latent energy (Kundalini).
Body Connection: Represents dormant spiritual energy coiled at the base of the spine (Kundalini energy in the Root Chakra).
Relevance of the 14 Lokas to the Human Body
Energy Centers: The Lokas align with the seven chakras of the human body and the corresponding subtle energy fields.
Consciousness States: They mirror states of consciousness—from grounded survival instincts (Patala) to spiritual transcendence (Satya Loka).
Karmic Reflection: The Lokas remind us that our actions (karma) influence our energy and spiritual evolution.
Inner Journey: They serve as a map for inner exploration, showing us where imbalances or growth opportunities lie in our physical, emotional, and spiritual selves.
By understanding the Lokas, we can deepen our connection to the cosmos and our own inner universe, aligning our physical existence with higher consciousness.
14 Lokas is deeply relevant to our health and well-being when viewed through the lenses of Jyotish (Vedic astrology) and Ayurveda, as it bridges the connection between the cosmos, our bodies, and our mental and spiritual states. Here's why this knowledge matters:
From a Jyotish Perspective
Cosmic Influence on Health and Destiny
The Lokas represent different realms of existence influenced by celestial energies (planets, stars, and nakshatras). Jyotish teaches that our physical and subtle bodies are deeply affected by these cosmic forces.
Understanding the Lokas helps align our lives with these energies, offering insights into health, personality, and life challenges.
Karma and Spiritual Evolution
The Lokas reflect karmic imprints stored in the body and mind. For example:
Weakness in certain chakras or organs may indicate unresolved karmic patterns tied to a specific Loka.
Awareness of these patterns through astrology helps address health issues and guide spiritual growth.
Jyotish remedies (like mantras, gemstones, or rituals) can strengthen our connection to higher Lokas or resolve imbalances tied to lower realms.
Timing of Healing
By analysing planetary transits and positions, Jyotish identifies the most favourable periods to focus on healing or spiritual practices connected to specific Lokas.
Example: A strong influence from Jupiter (Guru) might be a time to cultivate wisdom (Jana Loka), while Saturn’s influence may encourage grounding and resolving karmic debts (Bhu Loka).
From an Ayurvedic Perspective
Body-Mind-Spirit Connection
Ayurveda sees health as the balance of body (Sharira), mind (Manas), and soul (Atma). The Lokas provide a framework to understand how these layers are interconnected:
Higher Lokas correspond to elevated mental and spiritual states, promoting clarity, joy, and vitality.
Lower Lokas reflect stagnation, toxins (ama), or unresolved emotions in the body, leading to physical or mental health issues.
Chakras and Doshas
The Lokas align with the seven chakras and influence the doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). Imbalances in a chakra or dosha can reflect misalignment with specific Lokas:
Excess Kapha may signify stagnation linked to lower Lokas (e.g., Rasatala or Mahatala).
An overactive Pitta might reflect disharmony in realms like Tikshna Agni or Tapa Loka, causing burnout or acid reflux.
Holistic Healing
Ayurvedic practices like pranayama, meditation, herbal remedies, and yoga align the body's energy centers with the Lokas to achieve balance.
Example: Practicing Kundalini Yoga activates energy in Patala (Root Chakra) and encourages its ascent to higher Lokas, promoting holistic healing and vitality.
Why This Knowledge Matters
In Vedic astrology and Ayurveda, the planets, zodiac signs, and the human body are deeply interconnected, with each planet governing specific parts of the body and influencing our physical, emotional, and mental states; this cosmic relationship provides a roadmap for health and well-being, supporting holistic healing by aligning the body with the rhythms of the universe, an approach often overlooked in modern healthcare systems but essential for achieving true balance and wellness.Integrating the Wisdom of the Lokas
When I am combining Jyotish and Ayurveda I am
Diagnosing a person holistically: Recognize which Lokas or energies are influencing your health or mindset.
Balance energetically: Use Ayurvedic remedies (diet, herbs, rituals) to harmonise the Lokas and their corresponding chakras.
Heal karmically: Align with planetary energies through Jyotish remedies to clear karmic blocks tied to specific Lokas.
Understanding the 14 Lokas isn’t just theoretical—it’s a powerful tool for aligning your health, mind, and spirit with the universe's natural flow. When we tune into these cosmic dimensions, we unlock profound healing and spiritual potential. concept of the Fourteen Lokas invites us to transcend the mundane and explore the spiritual cosmos within and beyond. It teaches us that existence is vast, layered, and deeply interconnected.
Whether you're striving for enlightenment or seeking to understand life's mysteries, these realms offer insights into the universal journey of the soul.
Thankyou for joining me on this voyage through the Fourteen Lokas. May it inspire your path toward greater understanding and connection with the cosmos.
Until next time, stay curious and keep exploring the infinite.
Jade XOX
