翻刻
【四頁上】
相過󠄁《返り点：レ》前󠄁。故以爲＿レ名也。此有《返り点：二》三苦相＿一。一三支串貫。二鐵
《振り仮名：鍱｜■イ#2》纏裹。三熱湯煎煮也。亦云＿二大焦熱＿一。
八者無間地獄。
謂從《返り点：二》四方多百踰繕那三熱大鐵大地上＿一。有＿二猛熾火＿一燒＿二
有情󠄁《返り点：一》。穿＿レ彼（皮イ）入＿レ肉。斷＿レ筋破＿レ骨。徹＿レ髓燒如＿二脂燭＿一。如＿レ是擧身
皆成＿二猛火＿一。如＿レ是有情󠄁與＿二猛炎＿一和雜唯見＿二火聚＿一。四方火炎
相雜。無＿レ有＿二間隙＿一。所受苦痛無＿二間隙＿一。唯聞＿二苦痛號叫之聲＿一
知＿レ有＿二衆生＿一故。以爲＿レ名也。此苦相有《返り点：レ》六。一四方火炎來
刺燒。二鐵箕 擶（ヒル）簸。三上《返り点：二》下鐵大山＿一。四熱鐵百針打＿レ舌。五
令＿レ吞＿二熱鐵丸＿一。六 洋（ワカセル）銅《送り仮名：ヲ以》灌＿レ口也。梵云＿二阿鼻至＿一。此云＿二無
間＿一。壽量者。等活等上六等《割書：云云》。
八熱地獄與《返り点：二》八寒地獄＿一同異者。八熱皆各縱廣十千由旬。
八寒唯廣十千。縱不＿レ爾。且八塞中。初地獄在＿二等活傍＿一。餘
七從＿二等括《返り点：一》下。二千由旬皆有＿レ之。大乘瑜伽等意。從＿レ此下
去《返り点：レ》地三萬二千由旬。皆有＿レ之。大乘瑜伽等意從＿レ此下去＿レ
地三萬二千由旬《割書：《箱：考》皆有之已下｜二十字恐󠄁衍》有＿二等活地獄＿一。從＿二等活《返り点：一》下四
千踰繕那有＿二黑繩＿一。今此以下六地獄。各相去皆隔《返り点：二》二千
【四頁下】
由旬＿一。但大乘小乘共有＿二重累傍布二義＿一也。婆娑。俱舍共
有《返り点：二》二義＿一。望󠄂《返り点：二》大乘意＿一。俱舍此￣ヨリ下過󠄁《返り点：二》二萬＿一者。其淺近󠄁也。
故玄贊第六云。俱舍乃云《返り点：下》下過󠄁《返り点：二》二萬＿一至＿中無間底＿上。極爲＿二淺
近󠄁《返り点：一》《割書：云云》。私案。傍布之義可＿レ善歟。可＿レ見＿二玄贊第六＿一也。大乘
意。重累傍布二義。共從＿レ此下三萬二千由旬在＿二等活地
獄＿一。從＿二等活《返り点：一》下四千踰繕那。在＿二黑繩地獄＿一。已下六地獄。各
相去皆隔《返り点：二》二千由旬＿一《割書：云云》。 正法念處經有《返り点：二》一百三十六
地獄＿一《割書：云云》。八熱地獄。一一各有《返り点：二》十六＿一。近󠄁邊地獄。有＿二計一
百二十八＿一。此加＿二根本八熱＿一。一百三十六也。八寒及孤獨
不＿レ說＿レ之也。若說＿レ之者。地獄甚多。增上受＿レ苦故。立＿二增名＿一
也。 四增者。一 煻煨（タフワイ）二屎糞。三鋒刃󠄁。四烈河也。 法花
疏第六云。○無間地獄壽一中劫。謂如＿下從《返り点：二》八萬歲＿一減
至《返り点：二》十歲＿一。十歲復增至《返り点：中》八萬歲＿上。名《返り点：二》一中劫＿一。是無間劫量。
非天壽量如《返り点：二》三十三天＿一。傍生餓󠄁鬼壽量不定。又八寒地獄
於《返り点：二》八熱大地獄＿一次第相望󠄂。壽量近󠄁半󠄁。近󠄁邊孤獨二地。獄
中壽量不定《割書：云云》。等活等七地獄之壽量如＿レ常。於＿二身量＿一者。
光記第十一可＿レ見之。俱舍論十一云。四面各四。故言＿二皆
【五頁上】
十六＿一。此是增上被＿二刑害＿一所。故說名＿レ增《割書：云云》。第五卷處述󠄁
記云。論捺落迦中至＿二無分別故＿一。述󠄁曰。捺落迦者。此云＿二苦
器《返り点：一》。罪處也。那落迦者。受＿二彼苦＿一者。故二別也。《割書：云云》。謂增上
受＿レ苦故。立＿二增名＿一也。 玄贊第六云。八熱者。一等活《割書：乃至》八
無間。此八苦器處所。縱廣皆十千由旬。八寒者一皰《割書：乃至》八
大紅蓮華。此下三萬二千踰繕那。有＿二等活＿一。等地下踰繕那
有＿二黑繩等＿一。如＿レ是以下六捺落迦。相去皆隔《返り点：二》二千由旬＿一。其
八寒地獄。皆小＿二於熱地獄＿一。此上所說根本地獄。有義。地
獄上下重疊。略計。無間底去《返り点：レ》地幷有《返り点：二》十二萬八千由旬＿一。
此釋不＿レ然。妙高水下但說《返り点：三》八萬卽踞＿二金輪＿一。定不＿レ可＿レ然。
故有釋云。此下過󠄁《返り点：二》三萬二千由旬＿一。有＿二等活＿一。等活下四千
有＿二餘七＿一。餘七亦傍相當非《返り点：二》上下＿一。初塞與＿二等活＿一齊。初塞下
二千有＿二餘七＿一。餘七亦傍相當非《返り点：二》上下＿一。其八地獄廣十千
由旬。不＿レ說《返り点：二》上下＿一。瑜伽但言。此下三萬二千有＿二等活＿一。等活
下四千有＿二餘那落迦＿一。初塞在＿二等活傍＿一。此下二千有＿二餘寒
《割書：《箱：考》寒下玄｜贊有那字》落迦＿一。寒落迦處。廣十千。不＿三別說《返り点：二》上下相去四千
及一一地獄皆十千＿一故。婆娑有《返り点：二》二說＿一。俱舍乃云《返り点：下》下過󠄁《返り点：二》二
【五頁下】
萬＿一至＿中無間底＿上。極爲＿二淺近󠄁《返り点：一》《割書：云云》。攝釋第三云。疏有義地獄
重疊等者。釋＿二彼瑜伽＿一有＿二兩師別＿一。置＿二有義言＿一。非＿二瑜伽論
有＿二兩師＿一也。○疏初寒至＿二廣十千＿一者。 問。前言《返り点：三》八寒皆
小《返り点：二》八熱＿一。今言《返り点：二》十千＿一。寒熱何別。 答。八熱縱廣皆言《返り点：二》十
千＿一。寒唯廣言＿レ有《返り点：二》十千＿一而不＿レ言＿レ縱。故知有＿レ異。 問。熱寒
其量廣大。云何此州下得＿レ容耶。 答。此州上下闊猶如＿二
穀聚＿一。故得＿二容受＿一。 問。餘三州下有＿二大獄＿一耶。 答。無。故
瑜伽云＿二從＿レ此下＿一也。又婆娑論一百七十二云。大德作＿二是
說＿一。瞻部州下有＿二大地獄＿一。亦有＿二近󠄁邊及孤獨地獄＿一。於＿二餘三
州＿一唯有＿二邊獨＿一。無＿二大地獄＿一。所＿二以然＿一者。唯瞻部人造󠄁《返り点：レ》善猛
利。作＿レ惡亦利。非＿二餘州＿一故。有説。小州無＿二邊等獄＿一。是受＿二淳
淨善業果＿一處故。 問。若爾餘州下無＿二大地獄＿一。彼諸有情󠄁
造󠄁《返り点：二》無間業＿一。斷＿二善根等＿一。當＿下於＿二何處＿一受＿中異熟＿上耶。 答。卽於＿二
瞻部州大地獄＿一受《割書：云云》。俱舍論幷頌疏十一可＿レ見之。
八寒地獄者
一頞部陀地獄。
此云＿レ皰。謂有情󠄁極重廣大寒風所＿レ逼。一切身分悉皆卷縮。
現代語訳
【四頁上】
（前頁より続き：第七・極焼燃地獄）
苦の相が前よりも増すゆえに、これをもって名とする。この地獄には三つの苦相あり。一には三股の串で貫くこと、二には鉄の薄板（鍱）で身体を巻き包むこと、三には熱湯で煎じ煮ること。また「大焦熱」ともいう。
**八、無間地獄**
四方の多百踰繕那（ようぜんな）にわたる、三種の熱を帯びた大鉄の大地の上より、猛烈な火炎があり、有情を焼く。かれらの（皮を）穿ち、肉に入り、筋を断ち、骨を砕き、髄に徹して、油蝋燭のように焼く。かくのごとく全身がことごとく猛火となる。かくのごとく有情は猛炎と混じり合い、ただ火の塊のみが見える。四方の火炎が互いに混じり合い、間隙がない。受ける苦痛にも間隙がない。ただ苦痛の号叫する声を聞いて、そこに衆生あることを知るがゆえに、これをもって名とする。この苦相に六あり。一には四方の火炎が来て刺し焼くこと、二には鉄の箕（み）でひらひらと簸（ふる）うこと、三には上下の大鉄山で圧すること、四には熱鉄の百本の針で舌を打つこと、五には熱した鉄丸を呑ませること、六には溶けた銅をもって口に注ぎ入れること。梵語に「阿鼻至（あびし）」といい、これを訳して「無間」という。寿量については、等活等の上の六地獄と同じ（云々）。
---
**八熱地獄と八寒地獄の同異について**
八熱地獄はそれぞれ縦横ともに十千由旬である。八寒は横幅のみ十千であり、縦はそうではない。また八寒のうち、最初の地獄（頞部陀）は等活地獄の傍らにあり、残りの七つは等活より下、二千由旬ごとにそれぞれ存在する。大乗の『瑜伽（師地論）』等の意によれば、ここ（地上）より下に三万二千由旬のところに等活地獄あり。等活より下四千踰繕那のところに黒縄あり。これ以下の六地獄は、それぞれ相去ること皆二千由旬を隔てる。
（〔考〕「皆有之」以下の二十字は恐らく衍文）
ただし大乗・小乗ともに「重累（縦積み）」と「傍布（横並び）」の二義あり。『婆娑（論）』と『倶舎（論）』にもともに二義ある。大乗の意に照らせば、『倶舎』の「ここより下二万を過ぎたところ」という説は浅近（表面的）に過ぎる。ゆえに『玄賛』第六に云く、「『倶舎』はすなわち、下に二万を過ぎて無間の底に至るという。はなはだ浅近なり」（云々）。私案ずるに、傍布の義が妥当であろうか。『玄賛』第六を見るべきなり。
大乗の意によれば、重累・傍布の二義ともに、ここより下三万二千由旬に等活地獄あり。等活より下四千踰繕那に黒縄地獄あり。以下の六地獄はそれぞれ相去ること皆二千由旬を隔てる（云々）。
『正法念処経』には百三十六の地獄あり（云々）。八熱地獄の一々にそれぞれ十六（近辺地獄）あり。近辺地獄は合計百二十八ある。これに根本の八熱を加えると百三十六となる。八寒および孤独（地獄）についてはここでは説かない。
【四頁下】
これらについて説くならば、地獄は甚だ多く、増上して苦を受けるがゆえに「増（ぞう）」という名を立てる。
四増とは：一に煻煨（とうわい・熱灰）、二に屎糞（しふん）、三に鋒刃（ほうじん・刃物）、四に烈河（れつが・激流の河）なり。
『法花（華）疏』第六に云く：「無間地獄の寿命は一中劫なり。いわく八万歳より減じて十歳に至り、十歳よりまた増じて八万歳に至る、これを一中劫と名づける。これが無間地獄の劫の量なり。（寿命は）天の寿量（三十三天のような）にはあらず。傍生・餓鬼の寿量は一定せず。また八寒地獄は八熱の大地獄に次第に比して、寿量はほぼ半ばに近い。近辺・孤独の二地獄中の寿量は一定せず（云々）。等活等の七地獄の寿量は常のとおりなり」。
身量については『光記』第十一を見るべきなり。
『倶舎論』第十一に云く：「四面それぞれ四つあるがゆえに、皆
【五頁上】
十六という。これは増上して刑害を受ける場所なるがゆえに、増と説き名づける（云々）」。
第五巻の処の『述記』に云く：「論の『捺落迦の中、無分別ゆえに至る』に対して、述べて曰く：捺落迦とはこれを苦器という、罪の処所なり。那落迦とは、かの苦を受ける者なり。ゆえに両者は別なり（云々）」。すなわち増上して苦を受けるがゆえに「増」の名を立てる。
『玄賛』第六に云く：「八熱とは、一に等活、（乃至）八に無間。この八つの苦器の処所は縦横ともに皆十千由旬なり。八寒とは、一に皰（ほう）（乃至）八に大紅蓮華。このここより下三万二千踰繕那のところに等活あり。等（活）地の下の踰繕那に黒縄等あり。かくのごとくこれ以下の六捺落迦は相去ること皆二千由旬を隔てる。その八寒地獄は皆熱地獄よりも小さい。この上に説いた根本地獄について、一義には地獄は上下に重疊する。略して計算すると、無間地獄の底は地より合わせて十二万八千由旬ある。この解釈はそうではない。妙高山（須弥山）の水中はただ八万と説くだけですなわち金輪に拠り、定めてそうあるべきではない。ゆえに一つの解釈に云く、ここより下三万二千由旬を過ぎたところに等活あり、等活より下四千のところに余の七（地獄）あり。余の七もまた傍（横）に相当し、上下にあるのではない。最初の寒（地獄）は等活と斉（ひとしい）。最初の寒の下二千のところに余の七あり、余の七もまた傍に相当し上下ではない。その八（熱）地獄の横幅は十千由旬。上下については説かない。『瑜伽（師地論）』はただここより下三万二千に等活あり、等活より下四千に余の那落迦あり、と言うのみ。最初の寒は等活の傍らにあり。その下二千に余の寒那落迦あり（〔考〕「寒」の下に『玄賛』には「那」の字あり）。寒那落迦の処は横幅十千なり。上下の相去ること四千および一一の地獄皆十千については別に説かないがゆえに」。
『婆娑（論）』には二説あり。『倶舎』はすなわち「下に二
【五頁下】
万を過ぎて無間の底に至る」という。はなはだ浅近なり（云々）。
『摂釈』第三に云く：「『疏』に『一義に地獄は重疊す』等とあるのは、かの『瑜伽（師地論）』を釈して二師の別あり、『有義』という言を置いたのであって、『瑜伽論』に二師があるのではない」。
○「疏の初めの寒は横幅十千に至る」という箇所について：問うに、前に「八寒はみな八熱より小さい」と言い、今また「十千」と言う。寒と熱の何が違うのか。答えて曰く、八熱は縦横ともに「十千」と言うが、寒はただ横幅のみ「十千あり」と言い、縦については言わない。ゆえに差異あることを知る。
問うに、熱・寒の量は広大なのに、どうしてこの州（瞻部州）の下にそれを収めることができるのか。答えて曰く、この州は上下が広く穀物の山のようであるがゆえに、容受することができる。
問うに、余の三州の下にも大きな獄あるか。答えて曰く、なし。ゆえに『瑜伽』は「このここより下」と言うのである。
また『婆娑論』百七十二に云く：「大徳はこのように説く。瞻部州の下に大地獄あり、また近辺および孤独地獄あり。余の三州においてはただ近辺・孤独のみあり、大地獄なし。なぜそうなのかというと、ただ瞻部州の人のみが善を造ること猛烈で鋭く、悪を造ることも（また）鋭いからであり、余の州はそうではないからなり。一説に、小さな州には近辺等の獄なし。これは純浄な善業の果を受ける処なるがゆえに」と。
問うに、もしそうならば余の三州の下に大地獄がないとして、かれら諸有情が無間業を造り善根を断じた場合、いずれの処にて異熟を受けるのか。答えて曰く、すなわち瞻部州の大地獄において受ける（云々）。『倶舎論』および頌疏第十一を見るべきなり。
---
**八寒地獄とは**
**一、頞部陀（あぶだ）地獄**
これを訳して「皰（ほう）」という。いわく有情が極めて重く広大な寒風に逼（せめ）られ、全身の部分がことごとく巻き縮まる。
英語訳
**[Page 4, Front]**
*(Continuation from previous page: Seventh Hell, Hell of Extreme Burning)*
The suffering surpasses that of the previous hell—hence this name. This hell has three forms of suffering: (1) being pierced by a three-pronged spit, (2) being wrapped and bound with iron sheets *(tetsuben/tetsupaku)*, and (3) being boiled in scalding water. Also called the "Hell of Great Scorching Heat" *(Daijakunetsu)*.
**Eighth: The Hell of Uninterrupted Suffering** *(Avīci)*
Rising from the surface of a vast iron ground, heated with three kinds of heat, extending hundreds of *yojanas* in every direction, are raging fires that burn the beings. They pierce through (the skin) into the flesh, sever sinews, shatter bones, and penetrate through to the marrow, burning like tallow candles. In this manner the entire body of every being becomes a mass of raging fire. Thus the beings are merged and commingled with fierce flames; only masses of fire are visible. The fires from the four directions intermingle with no interval between them. The suffering endured has no interval. It is only by hearing the voices of the beings crying out in agony that one knows sentient beings are present—hence this name. This hell has six forms of suffering: (1) the fires from the four directions come to pierce and burn; (2) one is tossed and winnowed in an iron winnowing basket; (3) great iron mountains above and below crush the beings; (4) a hundred hot iron needles beat the tongue; (5) the beings are made to swallow balls of molten iron; (6) molten copper is poured into their mouths. In Sanskrit this is called *Āvīci*, translated as "without interval" *(muken)*. As for the lifespan, it is the same as that of the six hells from Sañjīva upward, etc. (and so forth).
---
**On the Similarities and Differences Between the Eight Hot Hells and the Eight Cold Hells**
Each of the Eight Hot Hells measures ten thousand *yojanas* in both length and width. The Eight Cold Hells measure ten thousand only in width; in length they are not the same. Among the eight cold hells, the first is situated beside the Hell of Revival *(Sañjīva)*; the remaining seven are found below Sañjīva, each at intervals of two thousand *yojanas*. According to the intent of the Mahāyāna *Yogācārabhūmi-śāstra* and related texts, thirty-two thousand *yojanas* below this (ground) exists the Hell of Revival. Four thousand *yojanas* below Revival lies the Hell of Black Cords. The six hells below this are each separated from one another by two thousand *yojanas*.
*(Editorial note: The twenty characters from "皆有之" onward are suspected to be a scribal interpolation.)*
Both Mahāyāna and Hīnayāna hold to two interpretations: "vertically stacked" *(jūrui)* and "horizontally distributed" *(hōfu)*. Both the *Mahāvibhāṣā* and the *Abhidharmakośa* contain these two interpretations. Compared to the Mahāyāna intent, the *Abhidharmakośa*'s statement that one descends "more than twenty thousand" below is too shallow and superficial. Therefore the *Gensan* (Commentary on the *Cheng Weishi Lun*), fascicle 6, states: "The *Abhidharmakośa* says one descends more than twenty thousand to reach the bottom of Avīci—this is extremely shallow and superficial" (etc.). In my *(the author's)* own judgment, the interpretation of "horizontal distribution" is perhaps the correct one. Consult *Gensan*, fascicle 6.
According to the Mahāyāna view, both the vertically-stacked and horizontally-distributed interpretations agree that thirty-two thousand *yojanas* below this ground lies the Hell of Revival; four thousand *yojanas* below Revival lies the Hell of Black Cords; and the six hells below that are each separated by two thousand *yojanas* (etc.).
The *Zhengfa Nianchu Jing* *(Saddharmasmṛtyupasthāna Sūtra)* lists one hundred and thirty-six hells (etc.). Each of the Eight Hot Hells has sixteen peripheral hells, making one hundred and twenty-eight peripheral hells in total. Adding the eight root hot hells gives one hundred and thirty-six. The Eight Cold Hells and the Solitary Hells are not discussed here.
**[Page 4, Back]**
If one were to discuss them, the hells would be exceedingly numerous; since the suffering received is intensified, the term *zō* ("subsidiary" or "enhanced") is applied.
The **Four Subsidiary Hells** *(Shi-zō)* are: (1) the Hell of Embers *(tōwai/tōkai)*, (2) the Hell of Excrement, (3) the Hell of Blades, and (4) the Hell of the Turbulent River.
The *Hokke-sho* (Commentary on the Lotus Sūtra), fascicle 6, states: "The lifespan in the Hell of Uninterrupted Suffering is one intermediate kalpa *(chūkō)*. That is, from eighty thousand years decreasing to ten years, and from ten years again increasing to eighty thousand years—this is called one intermediate kalpa. This is the measure of the kalpa of Avīci. It is not a heavenly lifespan like that of the Heaven of the Thirty-Three *(Trāyastriṃśa)*. The lifespans of animals and hungry ghosts are indefinite. Furthermore, compared successively to the Eight Hot Hells, the lifespans of the Eight Cold Hells are approximately half. The lifespans within the two hells—Peripheral and Solitary—are indefinite (etc.). The lifespans of the seven hells from Sañjīva onward are as is customary."
For body measurements, consult the *Kōki* (Guang Ji commentary), fascicle 11.
The *Abhidharmakośa*, fascicle 11, states: "There are four on each of the four sides, hence it is said that there are
**[Page 5, Front]**
sixteen in each case. These are places where punishment and harm are inflicted to an intensified degree—hence they are called *zō* ('subsidiary hells')" (etc.).
The *Jukki* (commentary on the *Vijñaptimātratāsiddhi-śāstra*), in the section on fascicle 5, states: "Concerning the passage in the treatise from '*Naraka* ... to "without discrimination"—': Commentary says: *Naraka* means 'vessel of suffering'—it is the place of sin. *Narakā* refers to those who endure that suffering. Therefore the two terms are distinct (etc.)." That is, because suffering is received in an intensified degree, the term *zō* is applied.
*Gensan*, fascicle 6, states: "The Eight Hot Hells—from the first, Sañjīva, through the eighth, Avīci—these eight places of suffering each measure ten thousand *yojanas* in both length and width. The Eight Cold Hells—from the first, Arbuda, through the eighth, Mahāpadma. Thirty-two thousand *yojanas* below this is Sañjīva. Below Sañjīva by a certain number of *yojanas* are the Black Cords and the rest. From there downward, each of the six *Narakas* is separated from the next by two thousand *yojanas*. The Eight Cold Hells are all smaller than the Hot Hells. Concerning the root hells described above: one interpretation holds that the hells are stacked one above another vertically. Roughly calculated, the bottom of Avīci is a total of one hundred and twenty-eight thousand *yojanas* from the ground. This interpretation is untenable. Below the waters of Mount Sumeru *(Meru)*, it is said only that eighty thousand (yojanas) rest upon the gold wheel—this simply cannot be correct. Therefore another interpretation states: thirty-two thousand *yojanas* below is Sañjīva; four thousand below Sañjīva are the remaining seven; the remaining seven are also situated side by side and not stacked vertically. The first cold hell is level with Sañjīva; two thousand below the first cold hell are the remaining seven cold hells, which are also side by side and not stacked vertically. The breadth of the eight (hot) hells is ten thousand *yojanas*; their vertical extent is not stated. The *Yogācārabhūmi-śāstra* merely says: 'thirty-two thousand below this is Sañjīva; four thousand below Sañjīva are the remaining *Narakas*; the first cold (hell) is beside Sañjīva; two thousand below this are the remaining cold *(Editorial note: The character* 那 *['na'] appears in the* Gensan *after* 寒 *['cold'])* *Narakas*. The cold *Narakas* measure ten thousand in breadth; the vertical separation of four thousand and the ten thousand breadth of each individual hell are not separately stated.' Therefore the *Mahāvibhāṣā* contains two interpretations. The *Abhidharmakośa* says: 'descending more than two
**[Page 5, Back]**
ten thousand to reach the bottom of Avīci'—this is extremely superficial" (etc.).
The *Shōshaku* (Compendium Commentary), fascicle 3, states: "Regarding the passage in the Commentary *(Sho)* that says 'one interpretation holds that the hells are stacked vertically, etc.'—this is an explanation of that *Yogācārabhūmi* passage, with two different masters' views presented, and the phrase 'one interpretation holds' is placed accordingly. It does not mean that the *Yogācārabhūmi-śāstra* itself contains two masters' views."
○ Regarding the passage in the Commentary that the first cold hell "measures ten thousand in breadth":
*Question:* Earlier it was said that "the Eight Cold Hells are all smaller than the Eight Hot Hells." Now it says "ten thousand." What is the difference between the hot and cold?
*Answer:* For the Eight Hot Hells, both length and breadth are said to be "ten thousand." For the cold hells, only the breadth is said to be "ten thousand"—the length is not stated. Therefore we know there is a difference.
*Question:* Since the dimensions of the hot and cold hells are so vast, how can they fit beneath this continent?
*Answer:* This continent (Jambudvīpa) is broad above and below, like a heap of grain—therefore it can accommodate them.
*Question:* Are there great hells beneath the other three continents?
*Answer:* No. Hence the *Yogācārabhūmi* says "below this (continent)."
Furthermore, the *Mahāvibhāṣā*, fascicle 172, states: "The Venerable One taught as follows: Beneath Jambudvīpa are great hells; there are also peripheral and solitary hells. Beneath the other three continents there are only peripheral and solitary hells, but no great hells. The reason is that only the people of Jambudvīpa perform good deeds with fierce intensity, and commit evil deeds with equal intensity—unlike the people of the other continents. One explanation holds that the smaller continents have neither peripheral nor solitary hells, since they are places for receiving the fruit of pure and wholesome karmic deeds."
*Question:* If so, and the other three continents have no great hells beneath them, then when beings from those continents commit the act of uninterrupted karma *(ānantarya-karma)* or sever the roots of goodness, where do they receive their karmic retribution?
*Answer:* They receive it in the great hells beneath Jambudvīpa (etc.). Consult the *Abhidharmakośa* and the verse commentary, fascicle 11.
---
**The Eight Cold Hells**
**First: The Hell of Arbuda** *(Aḥ-bu-da)*
This is translated as "Blister" *(hō)*. That is, the beings are oppressed by an extremely severe and pervasive cold wind, and every part of their bodies contracts and shrivels up.