Subduing Demonic Enemies: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

Teachings from the Teacher, recorded by Chief Writer Venerable HaiZe.

December 18, 2022.

Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provides the following teachings:

The Shadowy Nature of Demonic Influence

What exactly is a demon? A demon is not merely an external entity; it is a manifestation of a personality that has become rigid, stubborn, and difficult to subdue. Such a being possesses a powerful sense of subjectivity and fixed opinions. They cannot tolerate being challenged or offended, and they excel at controlling others. They cause harm in such subtle, clever ways that the victim often does not even realise they are being manipulated. This cycle of control leads to suffering for the self, for others, and for all beings involved.

These demonic beings must eventually face the consequences of their actions. They are subject to the laws of karma and cause and effect, which manifest as the crushing weight of great mountains, the agony of being consumed by flames, the freezing depths of ice, or being trapped beneath layers of earth for thousands of years, unable to escape the darkness.

The Myriad Manifestations of Demonic Forces

Demons can arise from within the mind. Our own thoughts and mental patterns are what invite these forces to manifest. Whether they are internal or external, these demons take many forms, each with their own specific methods and areas of expertise. We might encounter technological demons, such as those manifesting through computers, video games, or the internet; emotional demons that feed upon our attachments and desires; the Five Poisons of greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance, and doubt; or physical demons, including the demon of sleep that hinders our practice. These influences manifest as both male and female entities, each seeking to bind us to the cycle of rebirth.

The Perilous Path of the Practitioner

For those of us who are practitioners, this is a matter of grave importance. When our hearts and actions do not align with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, we create openings for these forces. If we violate the Precepts or deviate from the established guidelines, even in the slightest way, our mental state begins to fluctuate. It is in these moments of instability that we are most easily discovered by demonic beings. Once they gain control, we lose our autonomy. This is a true crisis in our practice, as it leads us directly toward the karma of the hells.

You must quickly repent and change your ways to stop the accumulation of evil and cleanse your sins. We must strive to dissolve our karma and reduce our transgressions; otherwise, when the time comes to face the consequences, how could we possibly escape the suffering? There is a famous saying regarding the laws of karma and cause and effect that serves as a constant warning to us all: Do not commit a small evil thinking it is insignificant, and do not neglect a small good thinking it is of no consequence.

The Radiant Clarity of No-Mind

The most brilliant method for subduing demonic enemies is to cultivate a state of no-mind. When you have no-mind, there is no state or condition within you that the demonic forces can grasp onto. When you are selfless and have reached the state of no-self, there is nothing left for these beings to control or exploit. Furthermore, the Buddha’s light of Namo Amituofo is the most direct and effective method to calm the minds of demons and purify their resentment.

The Compassionate Salvation of Practitioner Su

Practitioner Su is a master at subduing these demonic crowds. He achieves this through his unwavering faith in the Buddha and his faith in his own true nature. By embodying no-mind, selflessness, and no-self, he operates from a perspective of oneness. His immense compassion and his willingness to bear the suffering of all beings without complaint or regret allow him to transform these demonic beings and subdue their resentment.

By striking the great bell, Practitioner Su invites these beings into the Western Land of Dharma Nature. There, they are purified and given the opportunity to repent for their past actions, allowing them to be reborn and start anew. Many of these beings then join the salvation team, working alongside the Dharma Body of Practitioner Su to help others through the process of Chao Du. This initiative has already subdued immeasurable and boundless demonic beings. It provides practical, tangible assistance in purifying the pollution of this world and alleviating the harm caused by demonic control. This is truly a magnificent and compassionate innovation of the Buddha.

Namo Amituofo