[Buddha-l] Compassionate Violence?

[Dan Lusthaus]

> If nothing is transgressed, why does the bodhisattva go to hell? Going to 
> hell isn't usually portrayed as a consequence of doing a deed from which 
> numerous merits issue.
>
> Richard Hayes

Bhaviveka writes that as he descends into hell, it's like a silk flower 
falling toward a flame -- it is instantly jettisoned back upward. I.e., it's 
a perfunctory visit that barely transpires. The issue is intent -- he has to 
be willing to go to hell for his deed, not act with presumed impunity.

Dan