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[[Image:lighterstill.jpg]] [[Image:Paradiso_Canto_31.jpg|right|frame]]
[[Image:lighterstill.jpg]] [[Image:Paradiso_Canto_31.jpg|right|frame]]
'''Heaven''' may refer to the [[physical]] heavens, the sky, or the seemingly endless expanse of the [[universe]] beyond.
'''Heaven''' may refer to the [[physical]] heavens, the sky, or the seemingly endless expanse of the [[universe]] beyond.
The term is used to refer to a [[plane]] of [[existence]] (sometimes held to exist in our own [[universe]]) in [[religion]]s and [[spirituality|spiritual]] [[philosophy|philosophies]], typically described as the [[Holiness|holiest]] possible place, accessible by [[people]] according to various standards of [[divinity]], [[goodness]], [[Devotion|piety]], etc.
The term is used to refer to a [[plane]] of [[existence]] (sometimes held to exist in our own [[universe]]) in [[religion]]s and [[spirituality|spiritual]] [[philosophy|philosophies]], typically described as the [[Holiness|holiest]] possible place, accessible by [[people]] according to various standards of [[divinity]], [[goodness]], [[Devotion|piety]], etc.
==Etymology==
==Etymology==
The modern [[English]] word ''Heaven'' derives from the word ''heven'' around 1150, which developed from the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=English#ca._600-1100.09THE_OLD_ENGLISH.2C_OR_ANGLO-SAXON_PERIOD Old English] ''heofon'' around 1000 referring to the [[Christianity|Christianized]] "place where God dwells" but earlier meaning "sky, firmament". The Anglo-Saxons knew the [[concept]] of [[Paradise]], which they [[expressed]] with [[words]] such as ''neorxnawang'', [[literally]] (place of) no toil nor worries (attested from around 725 in ''[[Beowulf]]''.
The modern [[English]] word ''Heaven'' derives from the word ''heven'' around 1150, which developed from the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=English#ca._600-1100.09THE_OLD_ENGLISH.2C_OR_ANGLO-SAXON_PERIOD Old English] ''heofon'' around 1000 referring to the [[Christianity|Christianized]] "place where God dwells" but earlier meaning "sky, firmament". The Anglo-Saxons knew the [[concept]] of [[Paradise]], which they [[expressed]] with [[words]] such as ''neorxnawang'', [[literally]] (place of) no toil nor worries (attested from around 725 in ''[[Beowulf]]''.
==School of the Heavens==
==School of the Heavens==
The realm of heaven is a school whose day is composed of three periods; [[home]], [[work]], and [[rest]]. In these periods are taught three courses; [[facts]], [[meanings]], and [[values]]. Between each period, ample time is provided for [[play]]. On the playground are found three [[spheres]] that correspond to the courses studied. One is large and heavy, always moving in a [[linear]] [[manner|fashion]]. The second is larger than the first, but ever so [[light]], and moves in an [[Random|unpredictable]] and surprising manner while the third is truly [[glorious]], more like a bubble of varying sizes and shapes. It [[Vortex|swirls]] with eddies of ever-changing [[colors]], and can be [[touch]]ed only with the [[breath]]. Some children are drawn to one of these more than the others, but all [[play]] with each at different times. While the object of the school is unwritten, it is rumored to be the [[growth]] of [[affection]] that emerges as the children come to know each other, only better than they do their lessons.
The realm of heaven is a school whose day is composed of three periods; [[home]], [[work]], and [[rest]]. In these periods are taught three courses; [[facts]], [[meanings]], and [[values]]. Between each period, ample time is provided for [[play]]. On the playground are found three [[spheres]] that correspond to the courses studied. One is large and heavy, always moving in a [[linear]] [[manner|fashion]]. The second is larger than the first, but ever so [[light]], and moves in an [[Random|unpredictable]] and surprising manner while the third is truly [[glorious]], more like a bubble of varying sizes and shapes. It [[Vortex|swirls]] with eddies of ever-changing [[colors]], and can be [[touch]]ed only with the [[breath]]. Some children are drawn to one of these more than the others, but all [[play]] with each at different times. While the object of the school is unwritten, it is rumored to be the [[growth]] of [[affection]] that emerges as the children come to know each other, only better than they do their lessons.
[[Category: General Reference]]
[[Category: General Reference]]
[[Category: Cosmology]]
[[Category: Cosmology]]