First, what is the upper world? The upper world is not a distant place somewhere beyond the stars. It is a state of perception, that of correct self-assessment. It is attained via thorough inner examination in which we evaluate our feelings, thoughts, intentions, and actions from the perspective of truth instead of the distortions of personal egoism, i.e., the desire to enjoy for self-benefit at the expense of others.
When people think about spirituality, they often ask whether life continues after death. However, a more fundamental question is not whether the body dies or survives, but whether we can part with our egoism.
As long as we perceive reality through egoistic desires, we see only a limited picture of existence. Everything is measured according to personal benefit, loss, pleasure, or suffering. This narrow perspective defines what we call “this world” in Kabbalah.
However, when we rise above egoism, an whole new perception emerges. We no longer perceive reality through a filter of self-interest Instead, we begin to see existence as it truly is. This perception is called “the upper world,” or “the next world.”
Importantly, this upper world has nothing to do with a place we go to after the death of the physical body. We can attain the upper world while still living in this world and inhabiting the same physical body. There is no obstacle preventing such an attainment.
The challenge lies not in reaching the upper world but in becoming prepared for it.
To perceive reality beyond egoism requires a special inner state. We need to develop a correct attitude to our desires, intentions, and inner forces. Without such preparation, we would have an overwhelming experience. Instead of using revelation correctly, we would immediately translate it into egoistic gain, and turn it into another source of personal pleasure.
For such a reason, spiritual attainment is not given before we are ready for it.
The wisdom of Kabbalah explains that before we can perceive the upper world, the higher reality, we must acquire what is called a “screen,” which is an inner force that enables us to resist egoistic reception. The screen lets us relate to spiritual revelation correctly, without exploiting it for selfish benefit. Only when this inner readiness exists can we reveal deeper states safely.
The process for such attainment resembles that of preparing a vessel before filling it. The greater the light that is to be received, the greater the preparation that is required.
Spiritual states that await us are states of immense fulfillment, love, understanding, and harmony, far beyond anything ordinarily experienced in our corporeal lives. However, such states can only be appreciated and sustained when we develop corresponding inner qualities.
Therefore, spiritual development is not about escaping the world or waiting for a future existence. It is about transforming our perception while living here and now. The upper world becomes accessible when we gradually free ourselves from the limits of egoistic perception and learn to view reality through a broader and truthful lens.
Moreover, every person has the potential to attain this. The opportunity is open to all. The only requirement is the desire to prepare oneself for it. If we genuinely wish to rise above egoism and discover reality as it truly is, the path is available.
The upper world is hidden from us only as much as we need to attain a different way of perceiving. When we acquire that new perception, we discover that the higher reality was present all along.
Based on KabTV’s “News with Dr. Michael Laitman” with Kabbalist Dr. Michael Laitman on May 13, 2026. Written/edited by students of Kabbalist Dr. Michael Laitman.