by Krishna Rose
“The earth and the netherworlds are one region of the creation, while the heavens are the higher realms. The eternal planets are beyond both. Just as the sun is never without light, which flows freely without restraint to drive away the darkness—so too must you now rise like the flowing light of the sun to make the hearts of the diseased well again. For that light shall cast out all that is impure.
“Invoke the Kingdom of God to take root in their goodness and innocence, that everlasting life may bless them with freedom. There is no need of any other blessing than this. May you reign amongst the people Mary—walk with the angels and commune with the gods who watch over us,” he said tearfully.
Taking my hand in his, he gave me a red rose from deep within his pocket.
“Take this souvenir, to remind you that all beauty and temptations come with a price,” he said behind watery eyes. “Now I must take your leave, for my time has come to end. I have gifted you with many treasures, knowing full well the goodness in you. I bid thee farewell, my Lady,” he said, returning to his feet—bowing low. He disappeared before I could extend my deepest gratitude and thanks to him.
Holding the perfectly beautiful rose in my hand, I felt its thorn prick me and a drop of blood fell to the ground, whereupon a rose bush grew in Hell—like a miracle.
A circle of thick mist surrounded me and once more I was beneath the two oak trees, this time alone. The roots of the trees, like snakes, hung in the air above me, writhing, while the trunks stood tall and still, like sentinels.
I had faced the challenges of the seven veils, which had revealed to me the shadowlands. I knew not how I would ever shake off the memories of what I witnessed. Perhaps I never would. Yet one thing was certain—had I not seen the full extent of the Lord’s creation, of darkness and of light, I could not entirely lead others truthfully from the severity of their sin.
CHAPTER 38
HEAVEN—VEIL ONE
THE FIRST REALM
Earthly life is a stage and we are its players, tragically and victoriously accepting our roles—leading to our triumph or our degradation. As a King loses his throne, another, who brims with youth, gains it. Even the mighty stumble and fall in their struggle for power and glory—making the game of life an endless play halfway between comedy and tragedy.
Human beings are inclined by the influences of their birth, which in time become the motivating force behind all that they do. All the same, it is natural for the soul to align itself within the perfection of the eternal will—for our so-called freewill may otherwise drive us to a place where joy never sees the light of day.
Justice may seem unfair to mortal eyes, yet it is freewill that has forced justice to have a cause. If we choose the path of righteousness, there would be no need of Hell at all—for evil cannot be excused.
The Lord is our haven, our pleasure and our beatitude. When the shadows of the sacred veil are cast aside, the truth of who we are, in relationship to God, beyond all designations, titles or faiths—shines through. And though the lamp of the Kingdom may be lit through many paths, we pilgrims of faith, are all in search of our home which is one—to reach beyond the misery of impermanence.
Death has a way of taking away the sins of our life, to be settled in a future one. By virtue, one washes them away in the gentle tide of integrity. I could see now, that Heaven and Hell were both in some way presenting the same gift—that of perfect insight into the effects of a life lived.
“O Divine Power, I pray to be made a vessel of Your worth. Let not the memory and dangers of Hell cast a shadow over my time spent in Heaven. And may the terrible truths of their evil, fill me with a contrite and humble heart, to allay the bestial errors of those who will heed my words. Knowing them to be like sacraments meant as inspirations and inducements to keep them on the path of life, I pray that they find courage to jump over their troubles by reaching for and finding eternal life,” I prayed, resting my naked feet upon the soft ground of Heaven.
Grateful that the infernos were at an end, for me at least, the peace of the celestial world came as a welcoming friend. I drew in a deep breath of its dewy air, eagerly ready to behold the wonders of paradise. When I opened my eyes, they were the eyes of a youthful woman. All fleshly pains I had carried—vanished.
The air was alive with the song of birds making merry in trees larger and more colorful than those on earth. I wished in that moment, that I had a thousand eyes by which to record the many astounding phenomena of the promised lands. Buttercups and lilac hued primroses burst with gladness, rejoicing in gardens of brilliance—many shades brighter than our world. I stood back, satisfied to have made it this far, allowing my vision to assimilate such vivid luminosity.
Casting my eyes upon a giant watermill, which like a jewel in a garden, churned the soothing waters of four waterfalls falling from great heights. Cascading down from the peaks of four mountains, one in each of the four directions, like mighty champions, even from such a distance, I felt the water’s fine mist upon my skin. Infusing me with many flavors of joy, Heaven bore a sweet fragrance. I allowed its gentle rain to refresh and uplift me, nourishing my soul with the swelling symphony of gaiety.
The sky was saffron colored, casting an idyllic iridescent halo over the realm. The atmosphere was of gentleness, which permeated the air, blessing the fortunate denizens of Heaven. Fresh water gushed out from the hillsides—while those who drank of it were filled with wisdom, youthful vigor and peace.
From behind the waterfalls, dazzling rays of light reflected. I stared unblinkingly, as I watched each newly risen soul be born into their heavenly form from within a droplet of the waters’ effulgence. Bathed in youthfulness, in wonderment, these blessed souls walked from death into life, entering the heavens naked, chaste, and unsullied.
Born of no father or mother, they were birthed of spirit and greeted by ancestors and loved ones who had long since been forgotten. These most fortunate restored souls, reunited in merry gladness and I took much delight in it, for it was a stark contrast to where I had come from and what I had seen.
I was comforted by so much pleasantness. It was as if Heaven was in a perpetual state of spring—my favorite season. The ambrosial trees were like nothing I had ever experienced, for their leaves and flowers are eternally in blossom. Their fragrance was like a silent enchantment, while the birds’ song coming from their branches was delicate and charming to harken.
These lands were splendid. After my journey through the hells, I was thankful to have arrived in a place of happiness—for the righteous had attained their Heaven. These were the lands of the virtuous, charitable, and faithful souls, who in life had been moral in mind, speech, and deed.
Located in the southern region of this realm was a pyramid, larger than those I had seen in Egypt. Constructed of ruby, it glowed like the beating heart of a red rose in the summer sun. On the eastern side of the realm, loomed a pyramid of gold which shone bright like the morning sky in springtime. In the north, was one of diamond which shimmered like snow beneath the full moon on midwinter’s night, and in the west towered a pyramid forged of radiant emerald.
Connecting all four temples were rivers of molten gold. Each one reflecting perfectly the refined glamour and abundant nature of the heavenly kingdoms, like a painting invented and illustrated by the Lord’s own mind and hand.
Four lakes, faced each temple. The first was of scented milk. The second of honey. The third of sugarcane juice, and the fourth of gold. Splashing one another playfully, bathing in them, the residents of Heaven were imbued with mystical power. Such did they pass away their time idyllically. Their bodies shone like the setting sun, for by the pools’ enchanted touch, the blessed heavenly dwellers blushed with youth. These most fortunate souls were the embodiment of piety and humility, and as the air carried the soothing balm from thei
r skin, the entire atmosphere for eighty miles around was a cause of great happiness.
Surrounding each lake were celestial gardens with neat lines of flowering trees bearing fruits offering euphoria at first bite. The wives of the celestial beings were like ornaments of great beauty. They, together with their husbands and family members, enjoyed the gardens, serenaded by choirs who sang verses overhead. You could not tell anyone’s age for they were all enduringly young. These were lands devoid of suffering and disturbances.
Sweet fruits as big as mountain peaks fell from the top of the trees, falling from such a height, that upon shattering, their heavenly scent, as well as their juice, flowed out from them, permeating the air with exotic aromas. These juices then churned and mixed together in the watermills, offering refreshment to one and all.
The mud on the banks of the rivers, having been moistened by the flowing juices, dried in the sunshine which glowed warmly. This alchemical effect produced large quantities of gold which was freely available to one and all. Therefore, the privileged souls of Heaven decorated themselves with exotic ornaments and cloth, dressing from head to toe in gold, enjoying their lives without interruption.
One especially large tree, celebrated throughout the heavens, is the Tree of Wisdom. Its branches reach over the four directions symmetrically, offering dappled shade and sun to one and all. Emanating from within the hollows of the enormous tree, are five rivers of honey which flow incessantly, drenching the entire landscape in sweet perfume.
The residents of Heaven are without wrinkles, showing no signs of age. They do not tire, nor does their perspiration have any odor. Unafflicted by disease, they do not suffer. The climate is always favorable, as each of the four seasons are represented within the temple gardens, where among the lotus flowers, white, yellow, and pink swans swim elegantly upon the lakes’ dewy surface. The charming sound of bumblebees filled the air with a mystical hymn, harmonized to by angels playing upon their stringed instruments. On the river banks, people were singing songs and prayers in ethereal voices, creating an atmosphere of profound peace.
To enter each seasonal garden, the denizens of Heaven paid obeisance within the Temple of the Rose. And once gaining blessings of the Goddess residing there, they enjoyed long strolls through the paradise forests, where the winds of inspiration lead them through the seasonal changes. Crossing from one season to the next, over bridges made of rubies, diamond, emerald, and gold, these charmed souls moved about with the breath of silence upon their brows.
In autumn, the bright colored leaves were falling upon the ground, shining like jewels. In winter, the happiest of souls skated upon frozen ponds, drinking hot ambrosia, watching as their children sculpted magnificent structures of ice and snow. In springtime, the flowers bloom in colors I didn’t know existed, while in summer, they nestled in blessed gratification as they dreamed in the lap of motherly balm until returning to their splendid palaces.
“Welcome Mary,” a sentient being said, his wings fluttering delicately in the breeze. Having skin a light shade of blue, embellished with crushed diamonds, he appeared almost translucent. I stared, astounded by his beauty.
“Dear Lady, Mistress of the Waters, you have arrived in Heaven to see how the righteous are rewarded,” he said charmingly, evidently amused by my awe of him. “You are the holy bride and sacrifice of womankind, baptized by the radiant sun, moon and stars. We have observed you, watching silently, as you pursued empty promises, ate false hope, and unlocked closed gates. We celebrated you, as you conquered your heart and triumphed in Hell. My Lady, we hail and welcome thee, Mary Magdalene,” he said melodiously, reaching for my hand, where he fell to one knee, bowing his head reverentially.
“I thank thee, kind Sir. A pleasure to meet you too,” I said, dipping into a polite curtsey. “Pray do tell me, how is it that you know of me, when I have never been here?”
“People continue their existence in another body upon dying. They do not remember what life was before—but I, Mary, am an exception,” he said beaming. “By the grace bestowed upon me, I witness past, present and future. This realm is but the first of the seven heavens and I am able to travel through all of them by way of my voice. But for your sake, I have come by swan carrier to collect you, to offer you a glimpse into these most favorable realms,” he said laughingly.
“Thank you,” I said, climbing aboard a golden chariot which he called by a glance to appear before us.
Two white bridled swans, harnessed with fine silver reins, were to be our means of transport. Amazed by such simple, effortless beauty, I reached forward to stroke their wings which were butter soft. They shivered enthusiastically upon feeling my touch, which they knew came from my appreciation of their magnificence.
“May I ask by what name I should address you?” I asked the angelic being, noticing the jewels adorning his muscular arms and painted feet. He moved fluidly, graceful as a cat, jumping into the carriage to sit beside me, taking up the reins in his soft creamy hands. “You may call me Cherubim. I am to be your guide,” he answered with a gratified smile.
A thousand questions danced around in my head. And since I wasn’t sure if it was appropriate to ask what I willed, reserved and embarrassed, I chose to hold back since I had only just met him.
“Ask your questions, Mary Magdalene. You are at home here with us,” he said, as if reading my mind. ‘Perhaps thoughts are not private here,’ I thought to myself.
“This is not the first time you have been here. The last time you lived among us, you were known to us as Elizabeth,” he said matter-of-factly, flicking the reins lightly, inducing the swans to stand up, preparing for take-off.
“You were once a great Queen who performed good deeds and brought peace to the troubled lands of earth—and upon your death you were brought here to this Heaven to enjoy the fruits of your good work. We were friends then and we shall be friends now,” he said, seemingly entertained by my obvious forgetfulness of this place.
“First we shall greet the King,” he said, summoning the swans to lift off.
The snowy creatures soared into the air, each one four times the size of the largest horse I had ever seen. Flying was like silence and serene freedom of movement at one and the same time. To ascend the heavens and catch sight of what is usually only bequeathed unto birds, was a privilege. As we climbed the saffron skies, soaring effortlessly, rays of the sun beamed down through the pink clouds like magnificent shafts of hope.
The swans’ graceful wings outstretched, were superlatively elegant, rhythmically gliding up and down, careering us above the hills and valleys below. The breeze felt warm upon my skin, while a bouquet of aroma ambushed my senses. Though I was enlivened by so many provocative new sensations, I felt satisfyingly composed, as if I had come home.
“Ascend,” Cherubim urged the lithesome birds, pulling us higher across the landscape which was gloriously vast. Welcoming, the perfection of unhindered space seemed to invite us to explore its infinite mysteries. Divine mercy, the glorious fruit of virtue, wafted chastely in the air, draping me in thankfulness, as heavenly choirs, one of Saints and one of angels, sang canticles of tribute, seated upon clouds. Their melodic vocals pulsed above a far-reaching palace on the North side of the Kingdom, beyond the shade of what Cherubim told me was the Wisdom Tree.
The city, centered around the royal residence, was fashioned of gold. Its towers, inlaid with sacred symbols, were vast, adjoined by tremendous gates where angels were positioned. The foundations of the capital were garnished with all manner of precious stones and each gate was of diamond and pearl. This city had no need of the sun, for it emitted such light from its burnished surface, that it formed a halo in all directions. Gardens decorated the grounds, maze upon maze, filled with merry citizens who played amongst them fearlessly.
Landing without delay
, I marveled at how relaxed and happy I was, considering how fearful I normally am of heights. Jewels bordered the path which led the way to the palace’s main entrance, beside which were fountains offering milk, honey, and ambrosia of one kind or another to drink. As we passed through the first set of gates, mysterious symbols twirled like flowers in the golden carvings, releasing a fine powder into the air, causing me to feel dizzy with bliss. Cherubim laughing, seeing me so entranced, led me through a garden overlooked by an interior castle of pearl, which shone brighter than a thousand moons.
“The King has been expecting you—as have we all,” Cherubim said, as if he held a great secret under lock and key.
Fresh-faced angels floated above the ground, their wings fluttering reverentially as we passed them by. Some approached me, curious of my have been brought there, while others watched from a distance.
“That is a beautiful place, Mary,” Cherubim said candidly, noticing me catching sight of a large planet sailing in the sky. “I will take you there, for that is where the greatest lessons are learned” he whispered. It was as if I were in a dreamland, for such happiness was everywhere.
At the far end of the throne room, the King and his many Queens were seated beneath a luxuriously embroidered canopy. The court was filled with wealth, and was full of festivity. The Queens, clothed in jewel-encrusted dresses, lounged blithely on oversized cushions—each woman more beautiful than the other.
The hall sparkled, as if it had been bathed in light.
The finely painted walls and ceiling had been decorated with festival flags, upon which were laid multitudes of priceless ornaments that dangled from the crystal beams overhead. I have never seen such grandeur and beauty in one place.
Historians, politicians, dancers, artists, dramatists, and articulate speakers, had all come to greet the King with exhibitions of their talents. I must have stood there for quite some time, staring like a fool, until the King eventually boomed, waving his arm in my direction. “Come forward.”