“Heaven and Hell are in the Mind” From the Buddhist Canon to Explanation by Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya (P.A.Payutto)

Abstract

The article aims to survey and analyze the concept of hell and heaven as explained by Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya (P.A.Payutto) in works and lectures. It is found that, in his view, hell and heaven are not the subject for a direct reference to Buddhist scripture.  There should be some points to consider and treat, which is significantly related to Kalamasutta, Buddha’s teaching about discretion.  He categorizes the concept into 3 levels: 1) hell and heaven as cited from the Pali canon, the planes of existence in Buddhist cosmology where the result of bad and good deeds appears after death; 2) hell and heaven as the qualities of mind, which the beings in hell and heaven normally have; 3) hell and heaven as the unsatisfying and satisfying feelings, which the beings normally perceive.   He emphasizes the concept of hell and heaven in the second and third level, which human can experience and perceive. Having experienced and perceived suffering and happiness from the hell and the heaven, one should realize their role in creating the good or bad results.   This is an adaptation from the physical or cosmological one to the mental one. Hell and heaven perceived with mind and perceptions can widely and conveniently be communicated to the senses of feeling and reasoning of the people nowadays in line with the doctrine of Karma.