Subduing Demonic Enemies with the Power of Concentration and Wisdom

The Path to Ultimate Awakening

In the Infinite Life Sutra (The Buddha Speaks the Mahayana, Infinite Life, Adornment, Purity, Impartiality, and Enlightenment Sutra), specifically within the chapter on the virtues of Samantabhadra, the Buddha clearly delineates the journey of a practitioner from the mundane world to the attainment of Buddhahood. Throughout the eight phases of Buddhahood, one must possess the ability to subdue demonic enemies through the power of concentration and wisdom. Only by doing so can one attain the subtle Dharma and achieve the highest, most correct Awakening. In this context, the subtle Dharma refers to the realisation of one's true nature, while the highest, most correct Awakening refers to the successful attainment of Buddhahood.

The Foundation of Concentration and Wisdom

How does one attain this subtle Dharma? It is achieved by using the power of concentration and wisdom to subdue the resentment of demonic crowds. This requires diligent practice in the following areas:

• Cultivating Goodness: Maintaining a pure and virtuous heart in all actions.
• Upholding Precepts: Strictly adhering to the moral guidelines that protect the practitioner from negative influences.
• Developing Concentration: Achieving a state of mental stillness that is not easily shaken.
• Manifesting Wisdom: Allowing the innate wisdom of the true self to shine forth.

When a practitioner succeeds in these areas, they become immune to the temptations of the Five Desires and the Six Dusts. They become selfless, working entirely for the benefit of all beings. Even when faced with interference, obstacles, or direct attacks from demonic crowds and karmic creditors, the practitioner remains unmoved. They do not alter their heart or their commitment to saving the world. Through such profound virtue and conduct, they earn the respect of the demonic crowds, effectively subduing their resentment. This allows the practitioner to enter the ranks of those who have achieved Awakening and Buddhahood, while simultaneously saving many demonic beings who, moved by this conduct, begin to protect the Dharma and the practitioner.

The Compassionate Work at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre

At the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Goombungee, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, where Namo Amituofo truly abides, Practitioner Su carries out this sacred work. Driven by the vow to save both demonic beings and those in the human realm, and supported by the Buddha's blessings, Practitioner Su uses the Twelve Lights of Namo Amituofo to illuminate the demonic crowds:

• The Infinite Light
• The Boundless Light
• The Unobstructed Light
• The Unequalled Light
• The Light of Wisdom
• The Light of Constant Illumination
• The Pure Light
• The Joyful Light
• The Light of Liberation
• The Light of Peace and Stability
• The Light Surpassing the Sun and Moon
• The Inconceivable Light

By shining this Buddha-light upon them, the extremely pure and virtuous energy within the light weakens their demon nature, allowing them to be sent into the Western Dharma-Nature Land.

Transformation Through Buddhist Education

Even when Practitioner Su is subjected to magical attacks and must bear the suffering on behalf of all beings, the demonic crowds are still guided by the power of the Twelve Lights into the Western Dharma-Nature Land. Once there, they receive lectures and teachings that allow them to understand the Buddha's path. They come to recognise the magnificence of Namo Amituofo, the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, and the power of the Holy Name. Under this Buddhist education, they transcend the concepts of past and future. In the present moment, they are able to chant Namo Amituofo all the way. Guided by the principle that they are Buddhas who have come to save others, they practise diligently, prostrate to the Buddha, and respectfully recite the Infinite Life Sutra (The Buddha Speaks the Mahayana, Infinite Life, Adornment, Purity, Impartiality, and Enlightenment Sutra). These methods help reveal their Buddha-nature, purify their spirits, and elevate their consciousness. By accepting the influence of the Dharma, they make the vow to chant Namo Amituofo and seek rebirth in the Western Pure Land. When Practitioner Su eventually returns to the West, these beings will have the opportunity to accompany them and attain Buddhahood together. Namo Amituofo.