National Treasure

Bishamon Ten (Vaiśravaṇa), Extermination of Evil (J., Hekija-e)
辟邪絵 毘沙門天像
Paintings · Heian, 12th centuryNara NM
Home › Browse › Paintings › Heian period › Shamon Jigoku zōshi (Tales of the Buddhist Hells)
The nature of one’s sins determines which of the Buddhist hells one falls into. Here we see a section of the Buddhist hell—a river of boiling excrement—reserved for monks who have indulged in drinking alcohol and eating meat, violoations of the precepts. The poor monks who have fallen into this horrific river cower in fear, tears of fire flowing from their eyes.
— Museum description: Nara National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.















