Expert: Justin Choo - 4/23/2011

Question
QUESTION: Is Yama a deva, or is he classed among the dwellers of Naraka? Are the torturers in Naraka devas? Do Yama or his torturers experience bad karma for their actions? If they do not, who/what gives them the right? Would a human torturer in a national prison experience bad karma for their actions?

ANSWER: Hi Tony Phan,

This is one subject that I have reservation in the literal interpretation.  My personal opinion is that it is certainly very unlikely that a group of beings are given the task of torturing others.  As this is my personal feeling, your questions on Yama and his "assistants" are non-issues.  

<<"Would a human torturer in a national prison experience bad karma for their actions?">>
Certainly they will.  It is their direct evil actions that will cause bad consequences to them.   

Regards,

Justin Choo

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Sorry to bother you once again! My I ask: what, in lieu of the belief in torturers, do you think Naraka is like? I've always been a little uncomfortable with the former belief in torture and the consequent karma it begets, so I find it hard to imagine how that realm "works out" negative karma. I read from various sources that the extreme heat and cold is supposed to be what exhausts the karma. So, again, what are your beliefs on this subject?

Answer
Hi Tony,

I'm relieved that you are not offended by my opinion on this take.  You know certain people may be very sensitive especially when you are not agreeable with them in religious/spiritual opinion.  I always believe that each person should be given the freedom to analyze and decide for himself whether certain issues are acceptable or not.  After all, this was what the Buddha encouraged us to do.

My opinion is this.  There are unhappy realms called hells.  Where are they situated no one knows.  We must remember that existence stretches into multi-dimensional proportions beyong our human imagination.  The law of kamma works without fear and favour; and it is amoral.  The evil will suffer in due course; and the good and wise will be spared the sorrow of existence.  Those in the hell realms will suffer until their evil kamma is exhausted.  We need not have to imagine how this works in hells.  Just look around in our world, and we can see heavens and hells playing out their roles; some people are fortunate while others suffer for no apparent reason.  

Hope this helps.

Please come back if you need to communicate.

It's a pleasure talking to you.

Take care.

Justin Choo