In Buddhism , any of the 16 planes of existence into which those beings who have renounced sense desires are reborn.
It is intermediate between the kama-loka , where material beings are born, and the arupa-loka , where only the mind exists. Its upper levels are called the Pure Abodes, the birthplace of those beings who do not return to lower planes in subsequent births. The rupa-loka , free from sensuous desire but still conditioned by form, is inhabited by gods. See also karma .