Hell is divided into eighteen levels, collectively known as the "Eighteen Levels of Hell". The "levels" here do not refer to the spatial upper and lower layers, but rather to the differences in time and the content of suffering, especially in terms of time. The Eighteen Levels of Hell determine the length of time the deceased souls suffer based on the severity of their sins committed during their lifetime. Each subsequent level of hell increases the suffering by twenty times and the duration by double compared to the previous one, with all punishments involving weapons, intense fires, extreme heat, severe cold, and freezing. When it comes to the eighteenth level, the suffering is indescribable, and there is no way to calculate the date of release.
The eighteen levels of hell are respectively: the Hell of Tongue-Ripping, the Hell of Scissors, the Hell of Iron Tree, the Hell of Karmic Mirror, the Hell of Steaming Cage, the Hell of Copper Pillar, the Hell of Sword Mountain, the Hell of Ice Mountain, the Hell of Oil Cauldron, the Hell of Ox Pit, the Hell of Stone Crushing, the Hell of Pestle and Mortar, the Hell of Blood Pond, the Hell of Unjust Death, the Hell of Dismemberment, the Hell of Volcano, the Hell of Stone Mill, and the Hell of Knife and Saw.
Part of the Series
This article is part of our comprehensive guide covering all core Taoist philosophies, concepts, and practices — curated from the classic Encyclopedia of Taoism.
View Full Guide →
✦ Explore All Topics
About the Author
Paul Peng
Paul Peng is a Zhengyi Taoist priest from Longhu Mountain, Jiangxi — the ancestral home of the Celestial Masters' tradition. Ordained at 25 after a dream from the Celestial Master, he has practiced for 25 years under Master Zeng Guangliang. He is the curator of this store, which is officially authorized by Tianshi Fu. All items are consecrated at the temple by the resident priest team.
Read his full story →
