諸經要集 18.8

18.8

Question: Hells are of many kinds: some are beneath the earth, some are on top of the earth, and some reside in empty space. Why are they all called 'hell' (diyu, earth-prison)? Answer: The old translations used 'earth-prison' (diyu); the name was narrow and the location restricted, failing to encompass the surface of the earth and the sky. Now, relying on newly translated sūtras and treatises, the correct Sanskrit pronunciation is naraka, or nalajia. This broadly encompasses beings; because it is a place where sufferings gather, it is called naraka. Furthermore, the New Vibhāṣā-śāstra says: Question: Why is that destiny called naraka? Answer: Because those sentient beings have no joy, no affection, no flavor, no benefit, and no gladness or delight, it is called naraka. Some say: because they previously created and increased extremely violent and evil actions of body, speech, and mind, going there causes them to continue in succession; hence it is called naraka. Others say: because in that destiny they fall headlong, it is called naraka. As a verse says: