[Earlier today, this individual and I related to each other our experiences with absolute fear and misery. A few hours later, he emailed me this question.]

Q: Do you know of anyone who has made significant progress on the path without first going to hell?

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A: Good question.  I think I have a good answer.

Yes, I know of people who have made significant progress on the path without first going to hell. And, of course, I know of many people who have gone to hell without making significant progress on the path.

BUT

I do not know of anyone who has made significant progress on the path without going to hell at some point.

And, more important,

I do not know of anyone who has made significant progress on the path without first learning the meaning of suffering. It is not degree of suffering that allows us to learn this. It is openness to suffering that allows us to learn this.

It may not be possible to skip that lesson. If we don't skip it, then after a short period of time we learn another lesson: the meaning of joy.