HELL AND HEAVEN AS THE TOOL FOR ENLIGHTENMENT

Abstract

The objectives of this dissertation are (1) to study the theoretical concept of tools in Buddhism, (2) to study concepts and doctrines of hell and heaven in Theravada Buddhism, and (3) to analyze hell and heaven as tools for enlightenment.

The findings reveal that conceptual theories of tools in Buddhism are harmonized with mass communications. However, the details of Buddhism deepen into the spiritual level. Concepts and doctrines of hell and heaven can be divided into 2 categories: (1) Three Worlds consist of places or births, and (2) Spiritual Hell and Heaven comprise internal hell and heaven.

Hell and heaven in the aspect of tools for enlightenment show that hell and heaven are factors for enlightenment because they are fundamental Dharma practices for becoming free. Moreover, the Buddha examined hell and heaven to depict the danger of transmigration, as presented in Anupubbikathā, and giving and precepts as a path to heaven. The visualization of heaven heartens human beings to give and observe precepts with the return of being in heaven.

Next, he demonstrated that heaven is uncertain, angels’ age is also limited, and when it is the end of their lives, most of them go to hell. The punishment of heaven is uncertainty and makes human beings undesired to be there because the happiness is too little in comparison to the distress. He then presented the result of merit from freeing from lust, which means freedom from the hell and heaven cycle. When the listeners’ minds are ready for advanced Dharma, he stated Ariyasat (the Four Noble Truths), which enlightened numerous Buddhists.