arupavacaraloka

Arupavacaraloka, a term derived from Sanskrit and Pali, refers to the "formless realms" or "unmaterial realms" in Buddhist cosmology. These are planes of existence beyond the realm of form (rupavacara) and the desire realm (kamavacara). Inhabitants of the Arupavacaraloka are believed to exist in a state of pure consciousness, devoid of any physical form or sensory experience as understood in the material world.

These realms are attained through profound meditative states, specifically the four arūpa-jhānas, which are formless absorptions. These meditations involve the complete cessation of perception of material form and the cultivation of exceptionally subtle mental states. Consequently, the beings dwelling in these realms are said to possess extremely long lifespans and experience a profound, albeit passive, state of bliss and equanimity.

The Arupavacaraloka are typically described as four distinct realms: the realm of infinite space (ākāsānañcāyatana), the realm of infinite consciousness (viññāṇañcāyatana), the realm of nothingness (ākiñcaññāyatana), and the realm of neither perception nor non-perception (nevasaññānāsaññāyatana). While offering a temporary respite from suffering and a state of sublime peace, existence in the Arupavacaraloka is still considered impermanent and ultimately unsatisfactory from the Buddhist perspective, as beings are not yet liberated from the cycle of rebirth (samsara). They will eventually pass from these realms when the karmic force that propelled them there is exhausted, potentially returning to lower realms if enlightenment has not been attained.