Smear: NKT threatens hell realms to those who disobey

Truth: This is not true. The NKT has no power, let alone wish, to send people to hell. Also, the NKT does not issue orders that need to be obeyed – Geshe Kelsang always says that people have freedom.

Buddha taught that hell is a realm that appears to the most negative and destructive mind. It is created by our own delusions and negative actions, not by another person or an organization. The Kadampa teachings also distinguish clearly between virtuous regret for harmful actions (which is healthy and to be cultivated) and guilt (which is a delusion and to be abandoned).