A Journey Through Hell: Visions of the Afterlife - Page 16/45

Raurava: Known as the "screaming" layer. Inhabitants run around trying to find refuge from the burning ground. When they find shelter, they are locked inside it as it blazes around them, while they scream inside.

Maharaurava: Known as the "great screaming" layer. Similar to the world detailed above, but with greater pains.

Tapana: Known as the "heating" layer. Yama's servants impale the inhabitants on fiery spears until the flames shoot from their noses and mouths.

Pratapana: Known as the "great heating" layer. This world is similar to the one described above, however, here the inhabitants are pierced more bloodily with a trident.

Avici: Known as the "uninterrupted" layer. Inhabitants are roasted in an immense blazing oven with terrible suffering.

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Buddhism sees ignorance rather than sin as the roadblock to salvation. The belief that the self and the world truly exist keeps the illusory wheel of existence rolling. Only destruction of that belief will stop the mad course of the world.

It's doctrine is based on that belief that is basically suffering, or dissatisfaction. It follows that the origin of that suffering lies in craving or grasping. This cessation of suffering is possible through the cessation of craving and the way to cease craving is to follow Buddhist practice, known as the Noble Eightfold Path.

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In Chinese Buddhism, there are eight hells, each for different sinners, each for different purposes.

The First Hell: The realm of murderers. This hell is intended for those who kill for the desire or pleasure of it. Known as the Hell of Repetition, those who brag about killing and have no appreciation for life end up here.

The Second Hell: The Black Rope Hell. This hell is intended for those who have killed during the execution of some other crime. The point of being in this place is that although people may commit crimes as members of a group, they must suffer the consequences as individuals. In this hell, huge, black birds chase the wicked and pick out their eyes, they suffer multiple stabbings, are forced to drink molten copper and demons pull out their tongues and entrails.

The Third Hell: Crowded Hell. For those who commit certain types of murder, or stealing along with sexual indulgence. Having improper attitudes to physical love leads to Fire-Jar Hell. This is where self-proclaimed monks, or those who misuse their power are tormented with fire at the organ that caused the wrong-doing. (i.e. Men who cling to a woman's appearance will have their eyes burnt, men who cling to a woman's voice will have their vocal cords charred, etc.) The Fourth Hell: Screaming Hell. Intended for those who misuse intoxicants. Individuals end up here if they cause people to be under their power through selling drugs, who seduce people using alcohol or other drugs, or who trap animals in a similar way.