Page:Philosophy of bhagawad-gita.pdf/57

Rh which we are generally acquainted. Bhuvarloka is, strictly speaking, the astral plane. It is sometimes called antariksham in the Upanishats. But this term is not to be understood as simply meaning the whole extent of the atmosphere with which we are acquainted. The word Antariksham is used, not in its general sense, but in a technical one belonging to the philosophical terminology adopted by the authors of the works in which it occurs. Suvarloka is what is generally known as swargam. At any rate it is the devachan of the Theosophical writings. In this place, called devachan by the Buddhists, and swargam by the Hindus, we locate the higher orders of the so-called Devaganams.

There is one more statement I have to make with reference to the three upadhis in the human being. Of these what is called karana sharira is the most important. It is so, because it is in that that the higher individuality of man exists. Birth after birth a new physical body comes into existence, and perishes when earthly life is over. The astral body, when once separated from the karana sharira, may perhaps live on for some time, owing to the impulse of action and existence, already communicated to it during life, but, as these influences are cut off from the source whence they originally sprung, the force communicated, as it were, stands by itself, and sooner or later the astral organism becomes completely dissolved into its component parts. But