Significance of Hell
Hell, across various religious traditions, is predominantly characterized as a state or realm of suffering and punishment for bad deeds and negative actions. In Jainism, Hell encompasses seven specific hells associated with torment, as well as the consequences of dishonesty, like King Vasu's fate. Similarly, South Asia's interpretation includes cruel punishment methods established by King Ashoka. Tibetan Buddhism views Hell as a severe consequence of failing to uphold teachings, while Mahayana and Theravada perspectives emphasize suffering due to sinful actions and misguided beliefs. Each tradition illustrates Hell as a place of divine retribution for transgressions.
Synonyms: Inferno, Underworld, Abyss, Torment, Suffering, Netherworld, Gehenna, Perdition
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Hell'
In Buddhism, Hell represents various states of suffering stemming from ego-driven actions, false perceptions, and failure to follow teachings. It signifies both metaphorical and literal consequences for harmful deeds and spiritual ignorance, highlighting karma's role in afterlife destinies.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Hells are realms of suffering one does not fall into if their morality is neutral, as elaborated in the discussions about abstention from murder.[1] (2) The afterlife destination for those who engage in falsehood, marked by suffering.[2] (3) Hells refer to the realms of suffering where Dharmaruci was punished for his sins before being reborn.[3] (4) The undesirable realm to which a murderer may descend after death, reflecting the karmic repercussions of their actions.[4] (5) The feared destinations believed to be the consequence of a sinful life, particularly murder.[5]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) A reference to dire consequences or spiritual downfall awaiting those who succumb to demonic influences.[6] (2) A state of suffering that individuals may fall into as a consequence of misguided teachings or lack of genuine understanding.[7] (3) Metaphorical or literal states of suffering or anguish that can arise from attachment to false perceptions and self-deception.[8] (4) Metaphorical states of suffering or spiritual punishment that can result from ego-driven thoughts and actions.[9]
From: Karandavyuha Sutra
(1) A realm where beings suffer based on the severity of their bad deeds.[10]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The realm of suffering associated with bad deeds; Ajatasattu's fate was to suffer there due to the heinous crime of killing his father.[11]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Described as a place of torment and suffering for those who engage in sinful actions and hold false beliefs.[12]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (2): Bhikkhuni-vibhanga (the analysis of Nun’ rules)
(1) A spiritual consequence mentioned in the context of cursing others or oneself, indicating a severe negative outcome in the afterlife.[13]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) Fate that awaits individuals who fail to maintain their commitments, as described within the context of the teachings.[14]
From: The Six Yogas of Naropa
(1) The severe consequence of failing to adhere to proper teachings and practices in yoga.[15]
Hindu concept of 'Hell'
In Hinduism, Hell encompasses various interpretations, including a realm of punishment for the wicked, a state of suffering for cursed souls, and metaphysical consequences for neglecting duties. It serves as a deterrent against sinful actions and disrespect.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A place of torment or punishment in the afterlife, from which devotees seek protection through worship.[16] (2) States of punishment and suffering in the afterlife that individuals may find themselves in due to sins.[17]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) A state of suffering and misery that the cursed brahmins were destined to endure.[18]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Various realms of punishment where sinners suffer the consequences of their actions according to their offenses.[19]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A concept of punishment for wrongdoings, particularly for those who deceive and engage in sinful acts.[20]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A place of punishment for sinners, where their wrongful actions lead to reincarnation as various creatures.[21]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The various regions beneath the seven nether worlds, described as twenty-eight in number, including five specific hells.[22]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) Painful realms designated for sinners, as described in regards to consequences for those who harm or disrespect Lalita.[23]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) A place of punishment referred to as the ultimate consequence for wicked actions in the context of morality presented in the text.[24]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A metaphysical place where the father, mother, and brother are said to go if they neglect their responsibilities towards a maiden in puberty.[25]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The destination promised to those who are averse to the Vaishnavas and experience anger akin to Advaita Acarya's.[26]
From: Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study)
(1) A place of suffering in religious contexts, referred to as avicih in the text.[27]
Jain concept of 'Hell'
In Jainism, Hell signifies suffering states with seven specific hells, where beings endure punishment for bad karma, exemplified by King Vasu's fate, reinforcing the concept of divine retribution for dishonesty.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The fate that befalls King Vasu as a result of his dishonesty, illustrating the belief in divine punishment for falsehood.[28] (2) The regions within each of the seven earths where inhabitants experience punishment for bad karma.[29]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) States of existence characterized by suffering and torment, with seven specific hells mentioned in the text.[30]
The concept of Hell in local and regional sources
Hell, in this context, denotes a punitive realm envisioned by King Ashoka, marked by cruelty and severe torture methods for the guilty, reflecting his intent to administer justice through extreme measures.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) A place of punishment established by King Ashoka characterized by cruelty, where various methods of torture were inflicted upon condemned individuals.[31]
From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)
(1) A place of punishment that King Asoka desired to create for the guilty.[32]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A metaphorical place of suffering or intense hardship.[33]