Loka

Loka is a Sanskrit word for "world", "locality", or "plane".

In Hindu cosmology this term is applied in a more specific way to denominate the fourteen worlds that exists, seven of which are higher (vyahrtis) and seven lower (patalas). . They are bhur, bhuvar, svar, mahar, jana, tapa, and satya above; and atala, vitala, sutala, talatala, rasatala, mahatala, and patala below.

Theosophical interpretation

In H. P. Blavatsky's view these lokas are not so much place as states of consciousness:

The Lokas and Talas represent planes of consciousness on this earth, through some of which all men must pass, and through all of which the Chela must pass on his way to Adeptship. Everyone passes through the lower Lokas, but not necessarily through the corresponding Talas. There are two poles in everything, seven states within every state.