Teachings on the Nature of Demons

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

August 13, 2022

When people hear the word demon, they are often filled with fear and trepidation, as if the very mention of the name could bring misfortune. However, we must ask ourselves: what, in truth, is a demon? It is not a monster lurking in the shadows, but rather a manifestation of a heart trapped in its own rigid patterns. It is the presence of an overly strong personality, deeply ingrained habits, and an unwavering, narrow-minded subjectivity that refuses to see beyond its own desires.

The Roots of the Demonic Mind

Such a heart is unwilling to listen to the kind words and wise counsel of others. Instead, it chooses to walk its own path, regardless of the consequences. It is a heart that seeks to exploit the weaknesses, shortcomings, or past mistakes of others, causing them harm to satisfy its own distorted sense of self. This is the essence of the demonic state—a heart that has turned away from the light of wisdom and compassion.

The space around us is filled with countless sentient beings. Among these, the demon crowds are also present. We must realise that they, too, are children of the Buddha. They have not always been this way; they have simply become lost in the confusion of their own hearts and actions. Because their hearts are biased and their actions are clouded, they end up harming others and, in the process, causing immense suffering to themselves.

The Power of the Mind

Demons arise from the heart. Whether we speak of a demonic heart or demonic actions, the heart is always the root cause. It is through the heart that one becomes a demon, and it is only by mastering the heart that one can subdue the demon. Demons rely on our mental notes and attachments to manifest their influence. If you can let go of these attachments and remain empty of such grasping, the demon has nothing to hold onto. Without a heart to anchor itself, it becomes impossible for the demon to carry out its harmful actions.

Salvation at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre

Today, at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su serve as noble people for these demon crowds. Through the constant illumination of the Buddha’s light and the profound lectures given here, the demonic heart can be subdued. We work to adjust their hearts, align their intentions with the Dharma, and help them transform into practitioners of the path. By purifying their thoughts, they are invited to join our salvation team, where they are given the precious opportunity to repent and reduce their karmic burdens.

If these beings can join us in chanting Namo Amituofo and make a sincere vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, their wishes can certainly be fulfilled. To all the demon crowds, I urge you to listen to this counseling. Whether you are currently residing within a human body or existing in the space outside, take this rare opportunity to follow the assembly. Whether you enter through the memorial tablets or through the sound of the great bell into the Dharma-Nature Land, this is your moment for rebirth and a new beginning.

Namo Amituofo