220. Q. Who are said to be incapable of progress in spirituality?
A. The killers of father, mother, and holy Arhats; Bhikkhus who sow discord in the Sangha; those who attempt to injure the person of a Buddha; those who hold extremely nihilistic views as to the future existence; and those who are extremely sensual.
121. Q. Does Buddhism specify places or conditions of torment into which a bad man's Karma draws him on leaving this life?
A. Yes. They are: Sanjīva; Kālasūtra; Sanghāta; Raurava; Mahā-Raurava Tāpa; Pratāpa; Avīchi.
222. Q. Is the torment eternal?
A. Certainly not. Its duration depends on a man's Karma.
223. Q. Does Buddhism declare that non-believers in Buddha will of necessity be damned for their unbelief?
A. No; by good deeds they may enjoy a limited term of happiness before being drawn into rebirth by their unexhausted tanhā. To escape rebirth, one must tread the Noble Eight-fold Path.
224. Q. What is the spiritual status of woman among Buddhists?
A. According to our religion they are on a footing of perfect equality with men. "Woman," says the Buddha, in the Chullavedalla Sutta, "may attain the highest path of holiness that is open to man—Arhatship."