Middle Planets

Within the earthly sphere there is a combination of the happiness found in the heavens and the suffering of hell. As mentioned previously, birth in the earthly realm is considered most conducive for this reason – neither is there excessive happiness which may cause one to become complacent and comfortable, nor is there extreme suffering which can overshadow any deeper searching. Bhu- mandala is shaped like a lotus flower and the seven planetary systems are in the whorl of the lotus. As the sunshine reaches earth from a distance of 93,000,000 miles, this is the radius of the plane of Bhu-mandala.

“The residents of both heaven and hell desire human birth on the earth planet because human life facilitates the achievement of transcendental knowledge and love of Godhead, whereas neither heavenly nor hellish bodies efficiently provide such opportunities.” (SB 11.20.12)