The Game of Heaven and Hell

I love browsing the recently-uploaded Wellcome Image collection, it’s a repository of fascinating and wondrous things. Where else could I find the Game of Heaven and Hell?

The description states:

This old Indian game, known to us as ‘Snakes and Ladders’, was originally a vehicle for teaching ethics. Each square has not only a number but a legend which comprises the names of various virtues and vices. The longest ladder reaches from square 17 ‘Compassionate Love’ to 69 ‘The World of the Absolute’

It says a lot that the Indians play a game that gives the player ethics and virtues, whilst we have a game that rewards ruthlessly crushing your opponents with unfettered capitalism.

Add comment August 2nd, 2007