Understanding Heaven and the Path to It

Have you ever pondered what heaven precisely is and what actions lead one to reach it? Our journey in life is often marked by desires and experiences, both positive and negative. This exploration delves into the nature of heaven, hell, and the concept of attachment to understand how one can attain a life of heavenly serenity.

Desire and Its Impact on Our Lives

Often, the very essence of our desires transforms into the root of our suffering. A desire arises only after we have experienced or encountered a particular fact or situation. It is when these experiences haunt us with negative feelings that we fall into the mire of dissatisfaction and unhappiness. This cycle of desire and unfulfilled craving can lead to an endlessly painful mental condition, which we define as hell.

What Are Hell and Heaven?

Heaven or Swarga is a state of being that brings delight and joy to our minds, while hell or Naraka is the opposite, providing painful experiences. These states are not merely metaphorical but reflective of our mental states and our interaction with reality. The Vishnu Purana, translated by Horace Hayman Wilson, succinctly encapsulates this concept: "Heaven or Swarga is that which delights the mind, hell or Naraka is that which gives it pain."

The Role of Attachment and Desire

The root cause of our suffering often lies in our attachments to desirable things. When we become attached to something, the fear of losing it causes us anxiety and unhappiness. This attachment to desires is the path that leads us to hell. On the other hand, detachment from such attachments is the key to reaching heaven—a state of mental peace and joy.

How to Break the Cycle of Desire and Attachment:

Avoid Experiencing Desires: Before you can conquer a desire, you need to experience it. If a child has not seen or experienced the joy of a toy, it will not desire it. Similarly, if we have not experienced a situation, we are less likely to develop a strong attachment to it. Conscious Detachment: Even if we experience a desire, we can choose not to get attached to it. If a child sees a balloon but does not get attached to the desire of wanting it, it will avoid the subsequent mental anguish of not getting it. Mental Peace Through Contentment: When we enjoy a wonderful experience without seeking further desire, we can fully appreciate it and then move on to the next moment without anxiety. If the desired experience does not arise, we should accept it and move on. This choice leads to a life of continuous mental peace.

The Path to Heaven

Practicing detachment and contentment can help us achieve a life of heaven. Here are some steps to follow:

Live Without Desiring: Focus on doing what is necessary without being driven by desires. Good is about allowing no room for desires and fulfilling our duties. This leads to a clearer and more purposeful life without the hindrance of mental pain. Enjoy and Forget: When positive experiences arise, enjoy them if they are righteous. If they do not, accept their absence and move on. By doing so, we maintain a state of mental peace and joy. Maintain Mental Equilibrium: When wonderful experiences occur, enjoy them but do not cling to them. If they do not, forget about them and continue with life. This ensures that we do not lose peace due to unreasonable mental agonies.

By following these practices, we can ensure that our lives are filled with heavenly moments characterized by peace and joy, devoid of the negative impact of desires and attachments.