Discourse on the Sutra of the Father and Son Collection (CLXXI)

Attaining Enlightenment and Fruition Exempts One from the Suffering Retribution of the Three Evil Paths

We have created numerous negative karmas throughout countless lifetimes. Upon attaining enlightenment and fruition, one is exempt from undergoing retribution in the three evil paths; enduring suffering within the human realm suffices. In future lives, one may either be reborn in heavenly realms to practice or continue cultivating within the human realm, but will not descend into the three evil paths again. Unless Bodhisattvas possess the capability and the vow, they may descend into the three evil paths to liberate sentient beings or disciples whose karmic conditions have ripened. For instance, if a disciple with profound virtuous roots occasionally commits an act leading to the three evil paths and falls into them, a Bodhisattva with the ability may follow them into the three evil paths to liberate them. This is the Bodhisattva's aspiration. However, Bodhisattvas descend into the three evil paths not due to negative karma, but out of their vows. The suffering they experience there is far lighter than that endured by beings who go there due to karmic force, precisely because the Bodhisattvas possess benevolent vows.