法苑珠林 7.10

7.10

Some say: *nara* means human, and *ka* means evil; evil humans are born in that place, hence it is called *nāraka*. Question: Why is the lowest and largest one called *avīci* (uninterrupted)? Answer: That place constantly experiences painful feelings without any interval of joy or pleasure, hence it is called uninterrupted. Question: In the other hells, could there be song, dance, food, drink, and the experience of joyous fruition, such that they are not called uninterrupted? Answer: Although in the other hells there is no joyous fruition, there is an outflow of joy. As stated in the *Prajñapti-śāstra*, in the Saṃjīva (Reviving) Hell, sometimes a cool wind blows and their flesh and blood regenerate; sometimes a voice calls out, saying 'revive!', and those sentient beings suddenly come back to life. Only at such times, when flesh and blood regenerate and when they come back to life, do they temporarily give rise to joy that interrupts the painful sensations; therefore it is not called uninterrupted.