AN 3.163–164 - Nikkhitto Niraye Sutta (Deposited into Hell – Part 1)
Translated by Bhikkhu Candana
Source: https://www.mindreleased.com/s/Book-3_Anguttara-Nikya-A-New-Translation.pdf#page=289
License: Candana — free distribution, unaltered contents
Copyright © Bhikkhu Candana, 2020, 2026. Free distribution only; do not alter the contents. The original book, including its complete permission notice, accompanies this text.
Candana source section: 157. Shared across: AN 3.163, AN 3.164.

AN III

Suttas 157-166

Kammapatha Peyyāla “Abbreviated Section on the Courses of Action”

157. Nikkhitto Niraye Sutta (Deposited into Hell – Part 1) Bhikkhus, by possessing three things, one is reborn into hell as if brought and deposited there. Now, what are these three?

First is when one destroys and kills living beings. Second is when one incites and spurs others to destroy and kill living beings. And thirdly, it is when one justifies and approves of the harming, destruction, and the killing of living beings.

Therefore, Bhikkhus, by possessing these three things, one is reborn into hell as if brought and deposited there.

However, Bhikkhus, by possessing these other three things, one is reborn into heaven as if brought and deposited there. And what are these three?

First is when one abstains from destroying or killing living beings. Second is when one encourages others to abstain from destroying or killing living beings. And third is when one rejects and disapproves of the harming, destruction, and the killing of living beings.

Thus, Bhikkhus, by possessing these other three things, one is reborn into heaven as if brought and deposited there.