Pialral

Pialrâl (/ˌpəlˈrɑːl/) is the ultimate heaven according to the folk myth of the Mizo tribes of Northeast India. The Mizo word literally means "beyond the world". Unlike most concepts of heaven, it is not the final resting place of the spirits of the good and the righteous, nor is there a role for god or any supernaturals; it is simply a reservation for extraordinary achievers during their lifetime to enjoy eternal bliss and luxury.[1][2]

The concept of Pialrâl itself sums up very well the entire spiritual belief system in the animistic folk religion of the Mizo ancestors. It encompasses not only the spiritual realm, but also all the pathways for entry and services required to attain access. Although the traditional Mizo religion had been completely overshadowed by Christianity since the turn of the 20th century, the notion of Pialrâl still survives as a remnant in a Christian metaphor of paradise among modern Mizos, especially vivid in their songs of praise.[3][4]

  1. ^ Shakespear J (2004). The Lushei-Kuki Clans. Spectrum Publications, India. pp. 62–64. ISBN 8187502843.
  2. ^ Baral KC (2012). "Chapter 4: The Discourse of Evil and the Mizo Folk Imagination". In Biswas P & Thomas CJ (eds.). Construction of Evil in North East India: Myth, Narrative and Discourse. Sage Publications India Pvt Ltd, New Delhi, India. pp. 36–45. ISBN 978-8132109457.
  3. ^ Strom D (1980). "Christianity and culture change among the Mizoram". Missiology. 8 (3): 307–317. doi:10.1177/009182968000800304.
  4. ^ Lalfakzuala (21 November 2010). "Mizote Pathian Thu (Lal Sut Vuan)" [Beliefs of the Mizos (submission to the chief)]. mi(sual).com (in Mizo). Retrieved 24 April 2013.