In Japanese Buddhism, there are traditionally 24 hells comprising 8 great hells and 16 lesser hells, forming a complex realm of suffering known as Jigoku.
Understanding Jigoku: The Buddhist Hells
Jigoku (地獄), or the realm of hell, is one of the six realms of existence in Buddhist cosmology, where beings reborn due to negative karma endure various forms of intense suffering. These realms serve as a vivid illustration of the consequences of unwholesome actions and function as places of purification, albeit through immense torment, until the negative karma is exhausted. For a broader understanding of this concept, you can explore more about Buddhist hells.
Prominent historical depictions, such as the late 12th-century scroll known as Jigoku-zōshi (Hell Scroll), vividly illustrate a structured system comprising these specific numbers of hells in both text and paintings. This intricate cosmology reflects the Buddhist understanding of cause and effect, or karma, where the severity and duration of suffering in these hells directly correspond to the nature of past misdeeds.
The Structure of Hells
The hells in Japanese Buddhism are categorized into two primary types based on their severity and location:
The Eight Great Hells (八大地獄 - Hachi Daigoku)
These are the principal and most severe hells, often depicted as being located deep beneath the earth. Each great hell is characterized by a specific dominant form of torment, with increasing severity as one descends through them. These are places of immense and prolonged suffering, proportionate to the gravest negative actions. Examples often include hells of intense heat, extreme cold, or crushing and grinding.
The Sixteen Lesser Hells (十六小地獄 - Jūroku Shōgoku)
These are subsidiary hells, typically described as being located on the periphery of or within each of the eight great hells. Each of the eight great hells is often associated with two lesser hells, totaling sixteen. These lesser hells serve to address specific types of minor transgressions or provide additional forms of punishment related to the great hell they accompany. Their torments might be less intense or of shorter duration compared to the great hells, but still represent significant suffering that aligns with specific karmic debts.
Summary of Hells
The hierarchical structure of Jigoku can be summarized as follows:
| Category of Hells | Number | Description
