The nature of hell reveals itself through two distinct yet interconnected manifestations — a metaphysical state of consciousness following death and the tangible experience of suffering within our earthly existence. By exploring both aspects, we gain profound insights into consciousness, karma, and the potential for spiritual transformation.
The Architecture of Consciousness
Our experience of reality emerges from eight distinct types of consciousness — six sensory consciousnesses (seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, touching, and thinking), the ego-consciousness that creates our sense of identity, and the store-consciousness (alaya) that contains all karmic seeds. This structure appears symbolically in religious texts — the seven-headed dragon of Revelations represents our seven front consciousnesses, each pursuing desires while avoiding fears. The Whore of Babylon symbolizes our corrupted Buddha-nature manifesting as the eighth consciousness, perpetuating the habit of objectifying reality into separate things and beings.
The Metaphysical Hell
When consciousness first takes form, our bhavanga (life-continuum) associates with the heart base, gradually building our sense of being through emerging sensory consciousnesses. These consciousness streams weave together, creating our perceived reality through karmic forces that generate pleasant or unpleasant resultant consciousnesses.
At death, these entangled streams must naturally dissipate. However, weighty unwholesome karma can cause these consciousness streams to persist, particularly through denial. Liberation becomes possible only through accepting and acknowledging the consequences of our actions. Until then, we remain trapped in recurring patterns of resultant consciousness — a personally tailored hell reflecting our specific karmic transgressions.
Hell on Earth
The earthly manifestation of hell appears through two primary types of beings:
Demons
These beings operate primarily through self-interest, acting as tormentors of others while remaining blind to the causes of their own suffering. Like Cain in biblical tradition, they choose a path of pure self-interest, gaining temporal power at the cost of spiritual connection.
Hungry Ghosts
These manifest as nine types of addicts, ranging from destitute beings existing on society’s edges to powerful “Ghost Lords” who accumulate wealth and influence while remaining enslaved to their cravings. Their hellish bhavanga creates a perpetual state of disappointment driving continued craving.
The Alchemical Path
For the spiritual practitioner, understanding these hell realms offers practical insights into transformation. Recognition of our own demonic qualities often marks the beginning of the spiritual journey. This awakening frequently reveals not heavenly bliss but a sobering awareness of life’s suffering nature.
The path out of this hell requires mastering karma through conscious action. While results may not manifest immediately, faith in the efficacy of skillful action provides the necessary bridge. This faith need not attach to any deity but rather to the natural law that wholesome actions ultimately yield beneficial results.
Magical and Spiritual Implications
The concept of demons extends beyond mere metaphor into practical magical applications. Through sympathetic magic, practitioners can influence others by engaging with corresponding aspects of consciousness. However, this becomes dangerous when attempted against those who have transmuted their lower natures, as the transformed consciousness creates a protective backlash effect.
Conclusion
Understanding hell as both metaphysical state and earthly condition provides a comprehensive framework for spiritual development. Through conscious engagement with karma and recognition of our various consciousness streams, we can begin the alchemical process of transformation. This understanding serves not only our personal journey but enables us to comprehend and assist others trapped in cycles of suffering.
The path out of hell — whether metaphysical or earthly — lies in accepting responsibility for our actions, understanding the nature of consciousness, and cultivating skillful karma. Through this process, we transform our hell realms into opportunities for spiritual growth and eventual liberation.
Further Reading
- Hell in Christianity
- Christian views on Hades
- Journey to Hell – The Path to Self-Knowledge
- Heaven and Hell as States of Consciousness
The article above is based on a chapter from “Albedo,” the second volume in Dr. Simon Robinson’s groundbreaking series “A Course in Modern Alchemy.” This fascinating work delves deep into the transformative journey of consciousness, building upon the foundations laid in the first volume, Nigredo.
In Albedo, Dr. Robinson masterfully weaves together Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, with a particular focus on Buddhist psychology and alchemical transformation. The book explores the intricate architecture of consciousness, the nature of hell beings, the role of karma, and the various realms of existence that shape our understanding of reality. Through careful examination of these concepts, readers gain invaluable insights into the process of spiritual awakening and the practical application of alchemical principles in modern life.
What sets this volume apart is its practical approach to profound spiritual concepts. Rather than merely presenting theoretical frameworks, the book guides readers through the actual process of inner transformation, making ancient wisdom accessible to contemporary seekers. Whether you’re interested in Buddhist psychology, Western mysticism, or the intersection of spiritual traditions, having this volume on your bookshelf provides a constant source of inspiration and practical guidance for your own alchemical journey.