Falling into Darkest Regions of Hell
The concept of hell in Vedic knowledge is not merely a threat but a description of the natural destination for those who violate the laws of nature. The "darkest region of hell," identified as Andha-tāmisra, awaits those who are driven by uncontrolled senses, envy, and gross materialism. Śrīla Prabhupāda warns that this slide into darkness is often the result of a specific lifestyle—one dedicated to maintaining the body and family through "black methods" or unfair means.
Drag of Uncontrolled Senses
The primary mechanism that pulls a soul down to hell is the mind and senses. The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (7.5.30) uses the phrase adānta-gobhiḥ—"by uncontrolled senses." When the senses are unbridled, they force the living entity to act in ignorance (tamas), leading inevitably to a dark destination.
- Adanta-gobhir visatam tamisram. If your senses are not controlled, then your senses will drag you to the darkest region of hell. That is another problem.
- This is the statement in Bhagavata. Adanta-gobhir visatam tamisram (SB 7.5.30): Because they cannot control their senses, therefore they are making progress towards the darkest region of hell.
Trap of "Black Methods"
A common trap for the householder is the pressure to maintain a standard of living that requires dishonest earnings. Śrīla Prabhupāda describes this as using "black methods." While the family enjoys the fruits of such earnings, the sinner must travel alone to the darkest region of hell to pay the karmic price.
- A person who is very eager to maintain his family and kinsmen simply by black methods certainly goes to the darkest region of hell, which is known as Andha-tamisra.
- He goes alone to the darkest regions of hell after quitting the present body, and the money he acquired by envying other living entities is the passage money with which he leaves this world.
- The means of livelihood of those who are trying to advance in Krsna consciousness must be very fair and uncomplicated. Here it is mentioned that he who earns his livelihood by unfair means (kevalena) is sent to the darkest hellish region.
Association and Attachment
The company one keeps determines one's future. Associating with those addicted to sense gratification, particularly illicit sex, opens the "door to darkness" (tamo-dvāram). Even a person who is officially religious can slide down to hell if they maintain such connections.
- If one becomes too much attached to women or to persons who are also attached to women - that is, attached to women directly or indirectly - he opens the tamo-dvaram, the door to the darkest region of hellish life.
- One may officially be a very religious man, but if he associates with such persons (who are too much addicted to sex life and satisfaction of the palate), then he is sure to slide down to the darkest region of hell.
Envy of Divine
The darkest regions are also reserved for those who are envious of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This includes the "demoniac" who defy God's authority and the "mental speculators" who consider the Lord's transcendental body to be material.
- Those who are envious, I (The Supreme Personality of Godhead) keep them constantly in the darkest region of hellish life.
- They (mental speculators) think that Nityananda Prabhu’s body was material and that it was meant for sense gratification. Whoever thinks in this way is a candidate for the darkest regions of hell.
Hope of Deliverance
Even in the face of such condemnation, there is hope. A qualified son, known as putra, can deliver his father from the hell known as Put. The examples of Prahlāda Mahārāja saving Hiraṇyakaśipu and Pṛthu Mahārāja saving Vena illustrate this redeeming power. Furthermore, the chanting of the holy name can save one from the hands of death.
- Hiranyakasipu was delivered from the darkest region of hellish life, and he returned back home, back to Godhead, by the grace of his son Prahlada.
- The purpose of accepting a wife in religious marriage, as sanctioned in the Vedas, is to have a putra, a son qualified to deliver his father from the darkest region of hellish life.
- Maya is coming to kill him, to send him to the darkest region of hell, and you are saving him, Chant Hare Krsna and be saved.
Conclusion
Life is a junction where one chooses their destination: back home, back to Godhead, or down to the darkest regions. By controlling the senses, earning honestly, and taking shelter of Kṛṣṇa, one can avoid the perilous slide into Andha-tāmisra.
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Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Darkest Region of Hell. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.