Did you know that there is a Buddhist hell?
In the Western world, Buddhism is mostly associated with a
peaceful and calm approach to life. Commonly known are the
concept of enlightenment and spiritual practices that have deep
roots in Buddhist teachings.
Knowing not much more than that, I moved to Asia many years
ago. Shortly after my arrival I visited a Buddhist temple and was
completely taken by surprise to find myself surrounded by many
terrifying sculptures that seem to depict torture scenes and fierce
looking demons in a very graphic manner. Astonished, I realized
that this bizarre collection of figurines was an actual portrayal of
hell. Later on, I found out that there is a very similar concept of
torment for sins in Buddhist traditions, just as there is in other
religious beliefs. This place of torment is called Naraka, which is
the ancient Sanskrit word for underworld.
