In “Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramahansa Yogananda, the astral realm and specifically Hiranyaloka are described in considerable detail, providing insights into the yogic perspective of life after death and the nature of higher planes of existence.
The Astral Realm
According to Yogananda, the astral realm is a dimension of existence beyond the physical world, where souls go after death. This realm is characterized by light, energy, and subtle vibrations. It’s a place where the limitations of the physical body are transcended, and beings have more freedom and capabilities compared to the physical plane.
In the astral world, thoughts and desires can manifest more directly, and beings communicate telepathically. Time and space are experienced differently, with greater fluidity and flexibility. The inhabitants of this realm have astral bodies, which are luminous and capable of instantaneous movement.
Hiranyaloka
Hiranyaloka, or the “Illumined Astral Planet,” is described in the book as a high-level astral sphere where advanced souls reside. These souls are not ordinary beings but are those who have achieved significant spiritual progress and are working toward final liberation. Hiranyaloka serves as a transitional realm for souls who have transcended the lower astral worlds but have not yet reached the causal world or attained full liberation.
Characteristics of Hiranyaloka
- Advanced Inhabitants: The residents of Hiranyaloka are highly advanced spiritually. They are often saints and sages who have completed many incarnations and are in the final stages of their spiritual evolution.
- Purpose: Souls in Hiranyaloka are there to work off their remaining karma and to prepare for ultimate liberation (moksha). It’s a place of intense spiritual practice and refinement.
- Environment: The environment of Hiranyaloka is described as being filled with radiant light and beauty. It is a place of immense peace and joy, where the soul can progress without the distractions and attachments found in the lower worlds.
- Educational Role: Hiranyaloka also functions as a place where advanced souls continue their spiritual education under the guidance of higher beings. This education is geared toward understanding the ultimate truths of existence and preparing for the transition to the causal plane.
- Temporary Abode: Despite its splendor, Hiranyaloka is not the final destination. It is a temporary abode for those who have nearly completed their spiritual journey but still need to dissolve the final remnants of their karma and attachments.
Yogananda’s Description
In “Autobiography of a Yogi,” Yogananda recounts his guru, Sri Yukteswar, appearing to him after his death and explaining his current existence in Hiranyaloka. Sri Yukteswar describes the nature of the astral world and Hiranyaloka in great detail, emphasizing the continuous journey of the soul through various planes of existence until it merges with the Divine.
Sri Yukteswar explains that after death, souls move through different astral planes based on their level of spiritual development. Hiranyaloka represents a higher stage in this journey, offering a place where advanced souls can continue their progress without the encumbrances of the physical world.
The astral realm, and particularly Hiranyaloka as described in “Autobiography of a Yogi,” represents a sophisticated and deeply spiritual view of the afterlife and the soul’s journey. This realm is a place of higher learning, purification, and preparation for final liberation, where advanced souls can continue their evolution in an environment of light, peace, and spiritual mentorship.
In the astral realm, as described in “Autobiography of a Yogi” and particularly in reference to Hiranyaloka, beings have astral bodies. These bodies are quite different from our physical bodies in several key aspects:
Characteristics of Astral Bodies
- Luminous and Radiant: Astral bodies are composed of light and energy, making them luminous and radiant. They are often described as glowing with a soft, inner light.
- Subtle and Ethereal: Unlike the dense physical bodies, astral bodies are subtle and ethereal. They do not have the same physical limitations and can pass through solid objects.
- Youthful Appearance: In the astral realm, beings typically appear youthful and beautiful. The astral body does not age or suffer from disease as the physical body does.
- Malleable Form: The form of the astral body can change based on the soul’s desires and thoughts. This means beings in the astral realm can alter their appearance to some extent.
- Enhanced Capabilities: Astral bodies have capabilities that are far beyond those of physical bodies. For instance, they can move instantaneously from one place to another and communicate telepathically.
Inhabitants of Hiranyaloka
In Hiranyaloka, which is a higher and more refined plane of the astral realm, the astral bodies of its inhabitants are even more refined and radiant compared to those in lower astral planes. Here are additional details specific to Hiranyaloka:
- Advanced Radiance: The astral bodies in Hiranyaloka are exceptionally bright and radiant, reflecting the advanced spiritual state of their inhabitants.
- Purity and Beauty: The inhabitants of Hiranyaloka exhibit an extraordinary level of purity and beauty, which is a direct manifestation of their high spiritual advancement.
- Spiritual Garments: According to Yogananda’s description, the inhabitants may appear to wear luminous robes or garments that signify their spiritual status and achievements. These are not physical clothes but rather expressions of their spiritual light and aura.
- Distinct Features: While astral bodies can be malleable, advanced souls in Hiranyaloka maintain distinct features that reflect their spiritual identity and past lives. These features, however, are always in their most perfect and ideal form.
Descriptions from “Autobiography of a Yogi”
In the book, Sri Yukteswar describes the astral body as “a body made of prana, or vital energy, and lifetrons, of electrons and protons, and other subtle forces.” He explains that these bodies are free from disease and aging and that they allow greater freedom of movement and expression.
Sri Yukteswar himself, after passing away, appeared to Yogananda in his radiant astral form, which was youthful, luminous, and exuded peace and joy. This appearance reflects the general characteristics of beings in the astral realm, and more specifically, the advanced nature of those in Hiranyaloka.
In the astral realm, and particularly in Hiranyaloka, beings have luminous, radiant, and youthful astral bodies that are free from physical limitations. These bodies reflect the spiritual advancement and purity of the soul, allowing for greater freedom, beauty, and expression. The descriptions given in “Autobiography of a Yogi” emphasize the ethereal and divine nature of these forms, highlighting the transcendence over the physical plane.