Tapa loka

Meaning

world of austerity World of severity. world of heat World of warmth.

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Interpretation

“Tapa lokaWorld of austerity, World of heat”(plane of austerity) is the abode of eternal beings engaged in austerities and penance. The player is an evolved state, vibrating in the highest realms of creation. The realms that don’t perish at the night of Brahma. She resides here with ascetics engaged in penance in order to be able to cross-over to satyaloka, the abode of the Brahma. This is the plane where through penance, the burden of karma is released and the player becomes “lighter” to float upwards.

Interestingly, the player lands here after experiencing her psychic energies or after having realised her “swadharma” (sudharma – cell 28). In a tāntric context, she now meditates on the knowledge of “haṃsa” (I am that). She is now “paramhaṃsa”. Swami RamaKṛṣṇa Paramahaṃsa believed this to be the plane of austerity and devotion. This would lead to cosmic consciousness.

I am reminded an experience with my father, one day, as we sat in the Belur Matha. He said that Sri RamKṛṣṇa Paramahaṃsa, was a “short-cut” for us mortals to liberation. Thakur was a mortal who had already established himself in penance and devotion, and had achieved liberation. Having him in our midst, we could now just “surrender our consciousness to his vehicle” and be transported to liberation. Tapa loka, is such a place. It is a place where other players loose their identities and inhibitions and try to merge their consciousness with that one who has already established herself there.

The game board, however, is of karma yoga. It is not concerned as much with ashtanga yoga. Therefore, there are no ladders or short-cuts from this cell. Looking ahead the player sees prithvi, jalaloka, bhakti and ākāṣ, as good experiences. Surrender or bhakti reveals the karmic short-cut from this stage to liberation.

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Story

Tapaloka is a realm in Hindu cosmology, where the gods and other beings who have attained a high level of spiritual purity reside. It is also known as the world of austerity or penance.

Tapaloka is found in the Vedas, the oldest scriptures of Hinduism. In these texts, Tapaloka is described as a place of great beauty and perfection. It is said to be filled with lush vegetation, crystal-clear lakes, and towering mountains.

In the later Vedic texts, Tapaloka comes to be seen as a more complex and spiritual realm. It is said to be the home of the gods who have attained moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. These gods are said to spend their time in meditation and contemplation, and they are said to be able to grant boons to those who are worthy.

Tapaloka is also seen as a place where humans can go to attain spiritual enlightenment. This can be done through the practice of tapas, or austerity. Tapas can involve physical austerities, such as fasting or sleep deprivation, but it can also involve mental austerities, such as meditation or concentration.

The concept of Tapaloka continues to be important in Hindu philosophy and practice. It is seen as a place of great spiritual power, and it is a goal for those who are seeking moksha.

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On the game board

Tapoloka is a Sanskrit word that means the world of penance. It is a place in Hindu mythology where yogis and other spiritual seekers go to practice their austerities.

Tapaloka represents the ultimate goal of our spiritual journey. The game of Ludo snake and ladder is a reminder that the spiritual journey is a long and difficult one. There will be times when we face obstacles and challenges. However, if we persevere, we will eventually reach Tapoloka, the world of liberation.

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