The Mystery of Demon Longevity and the Path to Redemption
Teachings from Namo Amituofo Recorded by Venerable HaiZe
May 10, 2022
The Universal Principle of Mind-Only
We humbly ask the Buddha: How can demon crowds live for twenty thousand years? Why does their creation of not immediately draw them into the physical world—wishing to be as free as the wind, mountains & rivers? We ask for the Buddha's compassionate teachings to clarify these mysteries.
The Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way dictate that all dharmas are mind-only. This truth applies across all dimensions of existence, whether we are speaking of our own Earth, the vast reaches of interstellar space, or the entire Milky Way. It encompasses the six realms of existence and the ten directions of the Realm.
Demons are present everywhere, driven by their nature to disrupt, destroy, and struggle for survival. Yet, simultaneously, the Buddhas are also present everywhere, working tirelessly to teach, guide, and save beings. The presence of both is a reflection of the vast, interconnected nature of the universe.
The Complex Nature of Demon Karma
One might wonder about the hearts and actions of these beings. How does the laws of karma and cause and effect apply to them? Because the heart is subtle and the actions of every being differ, the focal points of their intent and the ultimate purposes of their behaviours vary greatly. Consequently, the resulting laws of karma and cause and effect are never identical.
When we consider a demon that has lived for twenty thousand years, we must ask: What is the state of its heart? What are its actions? Is it acting for itself or for the sake of others? How much of its long age (of a demon) has been spent in a state of stillness? All of these factors are deeply embedded within the laws of karma and cause and effect.
The Flickering Light of Goodness
The natural attraction created by a demon's heart and actions leads to specific karmic consequences. Depending on the weight of their deeds, they may find themselves trapped in various states of suffering: burning within intense flames of anger, being crushed beneath the weight of great mountains, trapped in the frozen depths of icebergs, imprisoned beneath massive boulders, or lost in the crushing pressure of the deep ocean.
Throughout the universe, the Milky Way, and our own world, there are indeed demon crowds that have existed for thousands or even tens of thousands of years. This longevity is possible because, even within their demon-like actions, there may still be flickers of Goodness or acts of kindness. Furthermore, the higher a demon rises in power or status, the wider the impact of its heart and actions becomes. Often, a single thought of goodness or a single act of kindness from such a being can, in that very moment, influence countless creatures, sparing them from the suffering of demon-harassment and helping them leave suffering behind.
Redemption Through the Buddha's Affinity
The laws of karma and cause and effect are not that they do not bring retribution; it is simply that the time has not yet arrived. We must wait to see if the Buddhist affinity manifests. A Demon King of the Milky Way who has lived for twenty thousand years may, at this very moment, encounter Namo Amituofo. Within the Dharma-Nature Land, such a being will eventually return to the of Ultimate Bliss.
All the beings with whom this demon had karmic connections in the past will become the very objects it is destined to save in the future. When these beings meet again, the original cause and effect will manifest and proceed toward resolution. If a being was once a demon but later undergoes purification to become a Buddha, all past karma is resolved through the practice of Buddha-actions.
A Path of Repentance and Purification
The actions of a demon are not exempt from retribution; the question is merely when that retribution will occur. The crucial turning point is whether the being can encounter the Buddha and be transformed, thereby abandoning its demon-like ways. Only then can it face the beings it once harmed with the of a Buddha.
Therefore, we encourage all the former demon crowds currently residing in the Western Land of Dharma Nature at the temple to transform their hearts and minds. Practise repentance, atone for past sins, and understand that by doing so, heavy karmic debt can be repaid through lighter suffering. Namo Amituofo.
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Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library