Diyu (Di Ü)

Diyu is the realm of the dead.

Geography

Diyu is typically depicted as a subterranean maze with various levels and chambers, to which souls are taken after death to atone for the sins they committed when they were alive.

Localized Phenomena

Virtuous souls are sent to live in Heaven for a certain amount of time before returning to Earth as a human or exiting the cycle of reincarnation. Sinful souls are then thoroughly questioned by Yan Wang, the King of Diyu, and asked if they considered the spiritual consequences of their actions. After admitting they did not, sinners are then condemned to wander aimlessly through the mazes of Hell before arriving at their punishment, of which, there are plenty. Hypocrites are condemned to be steamed to death in large metal pots. Arsonists are bound and tied to pillars of red hot, glowing copper. Murderers who stabbed someone to death are doomed to eternally climb mountains of razor sharp knives. The cruelest and lowest level of Diyu is reserved for those who have committed the most heinous of crimes, called the Five Grave Offenses, which include matricide, patricide, the killing of an enlightened being, shedding the blood of a Buddha, or creating a schism within the Fojia community. These sinners are dealt with personally by Yan Wang, and are doomed to become lesser animals or insects in their next life.

Alternative Name(s)

Hell

Owner/Ruler

Yan Wang