What if hell isn’t a place—but a condition of the heart?
In this episode of Teaching Peace, we explore Chapter 22 of the Dhammapada, where Gautama Buddha speaks to the lived reality of despair—not as eternal punishment, but as the result of harmful choices, moral denial, and disconnection from the sacred path.
Jason Storbakken reflects on:
The Buddhist understanding of “hell” as a state of despair rather than a place of damnation
How lying, blame-shifting, and hypocrisy fuel cycles of harm and spiritual desolation (vv. 306–318)
The warning against religious performance without integrity—a timeless caution that still echoes today
The way out: intentional practice, honest self-examination, and compassionate connection
As the Buddha teaches:
“A person who lies or denies the harm they have caused chooses the path of despair.” (v. 306)
The path toward liberation is not built on fear or shame, but on truth-telling, humility, and sacred community. In a world rife with harm cycles and moral confusion, this chapter reminds us that we can choose a different way—one of healing, accountability, and collective light.
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