O Maitreya, among the blessed regions beyond this world, there exists a land where there is neither high nor low, no killers nor those to be killed. In that pure realm, there is no envy, spite, fear, hatred, fault, or greed—none of the darkness that troubles mortal hearts. Beyond lies the great region known as Dhātakīkhaṇḍa, the outermost land, revered by gods, demons, and others, situated to the north of the sacred Lake Mānasa. Within this wondrous expanse is the island called Puṣkara, where truth and falsehood dwell side by side. This island, unique in its nature, has no rivers or mountains and is divided into two regions. Here, humans and gods are all identical in appearance, with no distinctions to separate them. The people of this land do not follow the divisions of caste or stages of life; they do not perform religious duties, nor do they abide by the three Vedas, legal punishments, or acts of service. O Maitreya, these two regions—Dhātakīkhaṇḍa and Mahāvīra—are the highest earthly heavens, ever delightful in all seasons, untouched by old age, disease, or any such affliction. In the heart of Puṣkara stands the great Nyagrodha tree, the supreme abode of Brahmā himself, who dwells there, worshipped by gods and demons alike. Encircling Puṣkara is an ocean of sweet water, its expanse perfectly round and equal in size to Puṣkara itself. Thus, the islands and oceans are arranged in sevens, each island and ocean matching in size, with each successive pair being twice the size of the previous. The waters of all these oceans remain ever equal, never lacking nor exceeding; they rise and fall in harmony with the waxing and waning of the moon, just as water in a pot swells when heated by fire. The increase and decrease of the ocean’s waters follow the moon’s course through the bright and dark fortnights, and the measure of their rise is known to be five hundred and ten finger-breadths. In Puṣkara, food appears of its own accord, and all the people there partake always of food with six tastes, never lacking. Beyond the sweet-water ocean lies a region called Lokasaṃsthiti, golden and twice as vast, yet devoid of all living beings. Beyond that still is the mighty mountain Lokāloka, ten thousand yojanas wide and just as high. Then, darkness envelops the shell that surrounds all, and this darkness is itself encased by the fierce shell of the cosmic egg. This earth, O great sage, together with the shell of the cosmic egg, the continents, oceans, and great mountains, stretches for five hundred million leagues. This is the supporter and sustainer of all, surpassing every being in virtue, the very foundation of all worlds. Now, O sage, listen further as I recount the realms beneath the earth and beneath the waters—those dreadful places into which sinners are cast. These hells are many and terrible: Raurava, Sūkara, Rodha, Tāla, Viśasana, Mahājvāla, Taptakumbha, Lavaṇa, and Vilohita; also Rudhirāmbha, Vaitaraṇī, Krimiśa, Krimibhojana, Asipatravana, Kṛṣṇa, and the fearsome Lālābhakṣa; Pūyavaha, Pāpa, Vahnijvāla, Adhaḥśirā, Saṃdaṃśa, Kālasūtra, Tamaḥ, and Avīci; Śvabhojana, Athāpratiṣṭha, Āpraci, and others—innumerable hells, frightening beyond measure. In the domain of Yama, these dreadful places are filled with terror from weapons and fire, and into them fall those devoted to sinful acts. One who gives false testimony, speaks with partiality, or utters lies is cast into Raurava. He who kills a fetus, destroys a city, slays a herd of cows, or restrains another’s breath falls into Rodha. Those who drink liquor, kill a Brāhmaṇa, steal gold, or associate with such sinners are sent to Sūkara hell. He who kills a Kṣatriya or Vaiśya, violates his teacher’s bed, sheds blood in heated vessels, or slays royal guards meets his fate in hell. One who sells a virtuous wife, a jailer, a seller of lion’s manes, or one who abandons his devotee—all these fall into heated iron. He who approaches his daughter-in-law or daughter is cast into the great flame, as is one who insults teachers or abuses others. Those who corrupt or sell the Veda, or who consort with forbidden women, are sent to Lavaṇa hell. A thief or one who violates boundaries is plunged into molten iron. He who hates the gods, Brāhmaṇas, or ancestors, or corrupts gems, is sent to Krimibhakṣa or Krimīśa, the hell of worms. The lowest of men, who eats without first honoring ancestors, gods, and guests, eats only saliva and is sent to a terrible place pierced by arrows and stakes. Those who cut off ears, or kill with a sword or similar weapon, are cast into a dreadful hell of torture. One who accepts improper gifts, the priest who performs sacrifices for the unworthy, and the one who points out stars for omens—all these hang head down in hell. He who eats black gram with pus or eats alone with haste is also condemned. O twice-born, a Brāhmaṇa who sells lac, meat, liquids, sesame seeds, or salt goes to that very hell. And, O best of the twice-born, one who keeps cats, cocks, goats, dogs, pigs, or birds for livelihood meets the same fate. Thus, O Maitreya, the realms of virtue and vice are established—regions of bliss and regions of torment—each the result of the deeds performed by living beings.