3/5/2007 ~ 10 Courts of Hell

On the Rio: David Bowie: Scary Monsters (Super freaks) [now, isn't that a coincidence?]

Warning: Some of the following story/photos may scare young children (which I think is the intent of the exhibit).

One of the attractions at Haw Par Village is the "10 Courts of Hell". The welcome sign says: "For those intrepid enough to Brave the Ten Courts of Hell, be prepared for an experience that is out of this world."

Upon your descent, you are met by two guardians, Ox-head and Horse-face.

This design of Ox-head and Horse-face are based on legendary Chinese tradition beliefs. According to a recent publication entitled Popular Gods of China Ox-head is a hell soldier and Horse-face is "Lousha", a wicked ghost who acts as guardsman at the gate hell. When the spirits arrive they would chase them into the gate of hell with a steel spear and an ivory stick to face the various punishment given by the Yamas, or Emperors of Hell. [~L~ Note: This would make a great Halloween house party!]

First Court of Hell: King Qinguang.
In the First Court of Hell, King Qinguang conducts preliminary trials and each prisoner is judged according to the deeds of his/her past life. The "good" are distinguished from the "evil" and the King recommends appropriate reward or punishment. Punishment is then carried out in the various courts. Those with virtuous conduct in their past life will be led over the "Golden Bridge" to reach paradise. Those with past good deeds outweighing crimes committed will be led to the "Silver Bridge" to reach paradise. Those who were evil doers in their past life will be sent to repent before the "Mirror of Retribution" and then taken to a subsequent Court of Hell to be punished.

Second Court of Hell: King Chujiang

Crime-Punishment

Inflicting physical injury/Con men/Robbers-Thrown into volcanic pit

Corruption/Stealing & Gambling-Frozen into blocks of ice

Prostitution-Thrown into a pool of blood and drowned

Third Court of Hell: King Songdi.

Ungratefulness/Disrespect to Elders/Escape from Prison-Heart Cut Out

Drug Addicts & Traffickers/Tomb Robbers/Urging People into Crime & Social Unrest-Tied to Red Hot Copper Pillar and Grilled

Fourth Court of Hell: King Wuguan.

Tax Dodger/Refusal to Pay Rent/Business Fraud-Pounded By Stone Mallet

Disobedience to One's Siblings-Grounded By A Large Stone

Fifth Court of Hell: King Yanluo

Plotted Anothers Death for Property or Money/Money Lenders with Exorbitant Interest Rates-Thrown Onto a Hill of Knives

Sixth Court of Hell: King Piencheng

Cheating/Cursing/Abducting Others-Thrown Into A Tree of Knives

Misuse of Books/Possession of Pornographic Material/Breaking Written Rules & Regulations/Wasting Food-Body Sawn Into Two

Seventh Court of Hell: King Taishan

Rumor Mongers/Sowing Discord Among Family Members-Tongue Pulled Out

Rapists/Driving Someone to their Death-Thrown into Wok of Boiling Oil

Eighth Court of Hell: King Dushi.

Causing Trouble for Parents/Cheating on Exams-Intestines and Organs Pullout Out

Harming Others to Benefit Oneself-Body Dismemberment

Ninth Court of Hell: King Pingdeng.

Robbery/Murder/Any Other Unlawful Conduct-Head & Arms Chopped Off

Neglect of the Old & Young-Crushed Under Boulders

Tenth Court of Hell: King Zhuanlin

In the Tenth Court there is the "Wheel of Reincarnation" and the "Pavilion of Forgetfullness". After serving their sentences, prisoners arrive at the 10th court where King Zhuanlin passes final judgement. Sinners who have been punished will be led to the Pavilion of Forgetfullness where an old lady, Meng Po, hands them a cup of magic tea which when drunk helps them to forget their past lives.

They will then go through the Wheel of Reincarnation, Samsara, after drinking the tea. They will leave the 10 Courts of Hell via one of the of the six paths of reincarnation as either nobility, common man, mammal, insect, fowl, fish or insect.