Loka
(लोक)Literal Meaning
World; realm of existence
Etymology & Sanskrit Root
From Sanskrit 'lok' (to see, perceive); one of the fourteen cosmic realms in traditional Hindu cosmology, ranging from Bhuloka (earth) up through celestial worlds to Satyaloka, and down to the seven nether regions.
Spiritual Insight & Context
These lokas are traditionally understood less as physical places than as states of consciousness one's karma naturally gravitates toward — a map of inner as much as outer reality.