In the realm beyond, the soul who has departed faces the consequences of its actions. For one who desires relief from cold, there is only heat; for one craving warmth, there is only cold. Endlessly, the soul is cut into hundreds of pieces, again and again, by thousands of sharp forces. A dreadful river awaits, its waters teeming with terrifying serpents. This river is called Karambha-sand, stretching for a hundred yojanas, vast and formidable. Beyond it lies the great river named Vaitarani, its waters salty and harsh. Here, the mud is deep and treacherous, breaking through skin, flesh, and even bones. Giant owls, each as long as a bow and with diamond-like tongues, shatter bones with ease. After crossing, with great difficulty, the yojana-long mire, the soul is beset by swarms of mice that devour it in countless ways. Yet, when touched by the morning wind, the soul regains its flesh, only to face further trials. There is a dreadful mango grove, home to birds that add to the torment. The soul moves forward, stripped of veins, eyes, and ears, unable to perceive in the usual ways. This place shines always, blazing like a cloud at dusk. It is known as Yama’s furnace, deep and three yojanas wide, where thousands upon thousands of departed spirits, indeed tens of millions, are gathered. In the belly of the cullī, the souls come to rest, and a swift current carries them onward. Each obstacle is difficult to cross and terrifying, just as those before, appearing in their proper order. There are ten thorny creepers and thirteen cauldrons of boiling punishment. Everywhere, pitiless Rākṣasas roam, dreadful to behold. The soul hangs upside down in a dry well and in smoke, then is cooked in a pit of dung by a fire fueled with fat. Emerging from these torments, within three yojanas, seven kinds of suffering await. Having crossed these trials, burning and unconscious, the soul finally reaches a beautiful pond, filled with cold water and surrounded by cool groves. Here, all the sinful souls obtain food and delicacies of every kind. But the journey is not over. Next comes a mountain named Śūlavaha, towering a hundred yojanas high. Rain-clouds pour down, but the water is always scalding. Nearby is a grove called Śṛṅgāraka, where green meadows are seen. Yet, whoever is touched or bitten here becomes a worm. After this, another torment is prepared, diligently crafted for punishment. The soul sees its mother, father, sons, wives, and loved ones, all crying out again and again, “Alas! Save me, save me, O son!” With fists, with whips, and even with serpents placed upon the body, the soul’s own actions are repeated again and again in succession. There are four sins, and by conduct, a fifth is added. In all these beginnings, after entering the path of another quality, the soul is born among immobile beings. For sixty thousand years and sixty hundred years, it remains in this state. Afterwards, when its actions are exhausted, it becomes a being born from sweat again. Then, it passes through all the species of birds once more, continuing its journey through the cycle of existence.