The three worlds are the three planes of existence: gross, subtle and causal, existing one within the other. Here the material or First World is depicted as a Himālayan valley with a lotus-filled pond. Within each lotus—as within every atom of the universe—is the Second World of astral substance and beings. Deep within the Second World, at the center of the lotus, is the Third World of pure spiritual energy, where Lord Naṭarāja dances and the Gods abide.§