Highlights
The Naruto series draws inspiration from Eastern mythologies, including Buddhist mythology, for its concept of an afterlife known as the Pure Land.
The Pure Land represents a metaphysical realm where the departed souls find repose, which can be accessed through different methods to bring them back. Purgatory serves as an intermediary realm between the world of the living and the Pure Land, where souls await the arrival of their loved ones. Although the concept of hell is not explicitly mentioned in the series, the presence of the King of Hell suggests its existence.
The Naruto series finds inspiration in Eastern mythologies for its concepts, including its depiction of an afterlife. In the series, this realm is known as the 'Pure Land,' a concept that appears to be influenced by Buddhist mythology. However, Naruto adds its own unique elements to this idea, making the afterlife an integral part of the story.
The Pure Land serves as a resting place for departed souls, but it is also possible to bring them back through different techniques. Additionally, there exists a middle realm that acts as a connection between the Pure and Impure worlds. While many details about this afterworld remain unknown, analyzing information from the series can provide insight into this intriguing concept.
The Pure Land
The Pure Land, often portrayed as a metaphysical realm, remains shrouded in mystery to viewers. However, it is understood that this ethereal sanctuary awaits all departed souls. Yet, to enter this realm, a soul must be unburdened by earthly attachments. These attachments may manifest as sealing techniques, wherein a soul becomes trapped within another entity, or as lingering regrets, anchoring the soul to the Impure world.
For instance, the Reaper Death Seal permanently binds imprisoned souls within the Shinigami's stomach, rendering their journey to the Pure Land impossible. Similarly, souls ensnared within sealing tags face a similar fate, as these tags prevent their escape to their final resting place.
The Pure Land serves as the ultimate resting place for those who have passed away. Despite this, there are various techniques that enable the return of their souls. For instance, the Impure Reincarnation Jutsu allows for the summoning of a soul from the Pure Land and binding it to a human vessel. Similarly, the Reanimation Technique practiced by the Hidden Sand requires the sacrifice of a human in order for the departed soul to be resurrected. Another method known as the Rinne Rebirth Technique can also extract souls from the Pure Land, though at the cost of the caster's own life. However, it is worth noting that those who are brought back possess no recollection of their time spent within the Pure Land.
Purgatory
Purgatory functions as a transitional realm between the Pure Land and the Impure World, or the realm of the living. It is the destination for souls who have recently departed the Impure World, particularly those burdened with regret from their earthly lives. Additionally, some souls may choose to remain in Purgatory until their loved ones join them, as exemplified by Sakumo Hatake, who patiently awaited the arrival of Kakashi.
The Concept of Hell
Contrary to the Pure Land, souls resurrected from Purgatory retain their memories from their previous life on this plane. The bridge between the worlds of the living and the deceased is formed by chakra, and individuals with a sufficient amount of chakra can briefly return to the realm of the living. Obito, utilizing his final reserves of chakra, managed to reunite with Kakashi once more in Purgatory.
It has been reiterated throughout the series that every soul ultimately reaches the Pure Land, suggesting the absence of a hell-like realm in the series. Even the most ruthless Shinobi, with numerous crimes to their name, have managed to find their way to the Pure Land. However, the Naraka Path of the Six Paths of Pain possesses the ability to summon the King of Hell, implying the potential existence of such a place.
While there's no definitive answer, it is highly probable that the Naruto series' afterworld draws inspiration from the Buddhist system of reincarnation. In this revered system, the transmigration of souls is contingent upon the actions committed in their preceding lives. Comparable to the notion of hell, the lowest path necessitates the traversal of various incarnations. Only after the soul endures multiple lives and seeks to make amends for past wrongdoings, will it ascend to the highest realm.
Mythological Influence
The notion of the Pure Land originates from Buddhist Mythology, where it symbolizes the celestial domain belonging to Buddha. Esteemed as the utmost realm, followers of Buddhism seek to attain this ethereal world. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the idea of a Pure Land exclusively prevails in certain branches of Buddhism, particularly those that emphasize reincarnation.
The Pure Land can be compared to paradise or the concept of Heaven by some. However, for Buddhists, every plane of existence serves as a means to assist the soul in its path of atonement. Masashi Kishimoto, the author, often integrates Buddhist philosophy into his works, and the Pure Land is another instance of the series being influenced by Eastern mythology.
You can stream Naruto on Crunchyroll.
