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Revision as of 14:44, 29 January 2023 by Admin (talk | contribs) (Created page with "The Concept of '''Jigoku''' in Traditional Japanese Buddhism Japanese Buddhism, like many other Eastern religions, includes the belief in an afterlife and the concept of punishment and reward in the afterlife. One of the most prominent and well-known aspects of this belief is the concept of jigoku, or "hell." The idea of jigoku plays an important role in traditional Japanese Buddhism, serving as a reminder of the consequences of immoral behavior and a motivator for indi...")
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The Concept of Jigoku in Traditional Japanese Buddhism

Japanese Buddhism, like many other Eastern religions, includes the belief in an afterlife and the concept of punishment and reward in the afterlife. One of the most prominent and well-known aspects of this belief is the concept of jigoku, or "hell." The idea of jigoku plays an important role in traditional Japanese Buddhism, serving as a reminder of the consequences of immoral behavior and a motivator for individuals to lead virtuous lives.

In traditional Japanese Buddhism, there are various realms or levels of jigoku, each with their own specific punishments and inhabitants. The most well-known and severe level is the saṃjīva, where the souls of the damned are said to be constantly reborn, suffering in a cycle of pain and torture. Other levels include Raurava, where the souls are tormented by fire and heat, and Tamisra, where the souls are devoured by demons.

One of the most interesting aspects of the concept of jigoku in Japanese Buddhism is the idea that hell is not a permanent destination. Through acts of devotion, good deeds, and the guidance of a bodhisattva, it is believed that souls can eventually be liberated from hell and attain enlightenment.

The belief in jigoku also played an important role in the development of the Japanese funeral ritual. The deceased were often said to be in danger of falling into hell, and it was the responsibility of the living to ensure that the deceased's soul was guided safely to the next realm. This led to the widespread practice of performing memorial services, offering gifts to the dead, and even hiring professional mourners to ensure that the deceased's soul would not fall into jigoku.

In conclusion, the concept of jigoku plays a significant role in traditional Japanese Buddhism, serving as a reminder of the consequences of immoral behavior and a motivator for individuals to lead virtuous lives. The various levels of jigoku and the idea that souls can eventually be liberated from hell through good deeds and devotion, make it an important aspect of Japanese culture and beliefs.