The Heavenly Realm Is Not Far Away: Signs Within You That Reveal Your Past Lives There

Based on the teachings of Venerable Thich Chan Quang, this article helps you recognize spiritual signs such as love, transparency, and joy. These indicators reveal that you may have once lived in the heavenly realm and offer guidance on how to practice to return there.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, amidst an atmosphere that is both sacred and festive, many people choose to visit temples. Few realize that this simple act can be a sign that we have previously lived in a place of immense happiness—the heavenly realm. In his dharma talk titled "Understanding More About the Heavenly Realm," Venerable Thich Chan Quang opened our eyes to the various layers of heaven and the inner signs that help us recognize our true home.

The Heavenly Realm Is Not Just Mythology

Many people hold a simplistic view of the heavenly realm, but the Buddha taught that the dharma realm consists of six realms. Among these, the heavenly realm is not singular; it has many levels and layers. Depending on one's merit and spiritual depth, each person returns to a corresponding level of heaven. Venerable Chan Quang shared a powerful reminder:

"Those who do not believe in the existence of the heavenly realm are not disciples of the Buddha."

This strong affirmation serves as a gentle warning that science cannot yet prove everything. We should not deny spiritual truths simply because they remain beyond current scientific understanding. The heavenly realm is not distant or strange; it exists within the Buddha's teachings and within the hearts of those who know how to practice.

Sign One: Natural Love and Compassion

The first characteristic of the heavenly realm is the deep affection between the king of gods and the celestial beings, resembling the bond between father and child. This love transcends all worldly relationships. Venerable Chan Quang recounted the story of King Ly Thanh Tong, the only monarch in history who declared, "I love my people as I love my children." This was a manifestation of someone descending from the heavenly realm. So, how can we know if we are returning from there?

The teacher pointed out that the primary standard is natural, profound love within the heart. Some people give money to the poor, but their compassion is limited. Conversely, others give with eyes overflowing with love—these individuals carry the seeds of the heavenly realm. As the teacher stated:

"The first criterion for being born into the heavenly realm is love."

If a person lives with a dry heart, rarely caring for others, the heavenly realm remains far away. Begin with small gestures: smile at strangers, show concern for those who suffer, and let your heart tremble before the pain of others.

Sign Two: Living with Transparency and Honesty

In the heavenly realm, beings possess supernatural powers and can read each other's minds. Because nothing can be hidden, no one dares to think negatively or commit evil deeds. Heaven is a realm of extreme transparency. In contrast, in the human world, we can hide things from one another, harboring bad thoughts that no one else sees. However, the teacher warned:

"Do not assume that no one knows. Cause and effect record every secret thought and action."

If we live transparently—with authorities, with our community, and with ourselves—we are planting the causes for rebirth in the heavenly realm. Living without concealment, with an upright heart, reflects a noble soul. Practice living as if you are already in heaven: let everything be clear and open, for the eye of cause and effect always watches closely.

Sign Three: Happiness Makes Time Pass Quickly

In the heavenly realm, celestial beings experience such profound peace that time seems to vanish unnoticed. In the human world, suffering makes time drag on endlessly. The teacher described a dharma talk lasting ninety minutes that felt like only fifteen minutes to the audience. Everyone shared the sensation that the teaching had just begun when it ended. This is the effect of deep concentration and bliss. The teacher explained:

"Life in the human realm passes very slowly, while life in the heavenly realm passes very quickly."

Therefore, if we live happily, time feels short. But if we waste our days in worry and jealousy, time becomes heavy and burdensome. To cultivate the feeling of the heavenly realm, nurture joy and peace in your mind. Find delight in the Dharma—in moments of listening to teachings, chanting sutras, or performing good deeds—to see time flow gently and lightly.

Do Not Stop at Rebirth in Heaven—Practice for Ultimate Liberation

Many believe that reaching the heavenly realm is the final goal, but in truth, it is still part of samsara, the cycle of rebirth. Some celestial beings do not yet know the Buddha's teachings, while others continue their studies under the guidance of bodhisattvas. The teacher reminded us that we may have once lived in heaven, but due to remaining karma, we must return here to settle debts and continue practicing. The higher goal is to escape birth and death entirely, attaining the fruit of non-returning, where one never comes back to the human realm again. The teacher encouraged:

"Only when your spiritual power breaks through completely, allowing you to ascend without ever returning to this human realm, will you truly leave it behind."

Each of us has the opportunity to renew ourselves. On the first day of the new year, if you feel blessed to live with the Dharma and hear teachings like these, cherish this precious root of goodness. Strive to practice, not merely to return to heaven, but to go further and transcend samsara.

Remember that love, transparency, and peace are not just signs of those born in heaven; they are qualities every Buddhist should cultivate daily. When you dedicate time to the temple, to the Dharma, and to your practice, you are stepping closer to your true home—a place free from suffering, filled only with boundless happiness. May you have a peaceful new year and sow many wholesome causes.