The Nature of Demon Crowds and the Path to Transformation

Teachings from Namo Amituofo, recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe, during the noon offering on the fifteenth of November, 2025.

The Shadowed Roots of a Difficult Personality

The personality traits of the demon crowds are clearly shaped by their upbringing and the environments they inhabit. As a being progresses from childhood through youth and into old age, the absence of proper guidance is a profound tragedy. If one does not receive the benefit of Buddhist education or positive, wholesome life guidance, they are left without a compass to distinguish between good and evil, or between virtue and vice.

Without someone to teach them how to transform their evil thoughts into wholesome ones, they easily develop a personality defined by several negative characteristics: a fierce refusal to admit defeat, constantly competing with others; an intense desire for possession and control; and a tendency toward anger and resentment when things do not go their way. Because their internal state is constantly turbulent, they find no relief. They are not embraced or accepted by those around them, and consequently, they never develop a calm, stable, or peaceful heart.

The Hardened Barriers of the Ego

These individuals are often difficult to counsel. Their subjective views are rigid, and they are driven by a strong need for self-protection. They are quick to argue and prone to outbursts of anger. Because their personalities are so hardened, they are unable to listen to advice or change their ways. It becomes nearly impossible for them to manifest the virtues of gentleness, the willingness to suffer a loss for the sake of others, or the spirit of Generosity (Giving).

These factors cause their personality, values, and character to become detached from the rest of society. They drift toward extremes, creating significant obstacles in their daily interactions with others. Because they are trapped in this cycle, they often miss the opportunities to improve their lives and find a better path.

A Ray of Light Amidst the Darkness

How can we improve the personality of the demon crowds, or indeed, the stubborn personalities found within the human world? While the personality of these beings is often rigid and difficult to subdue—making it far from easy to change or turn toward goodness—there is still a ray of light. We can begin the process of transformation through two essential methods:

• Immersing ourselves in these teachings through Buddhist education: This allows one to recognise their own faults and understand the laws of karma and cause and effect. One must realise that even after hundreds of thousands of eons, the karma one has created does not disappear. When the Causal Conditions mature, one must bear the consequences. Furthermore, one must understand that a single grain of rice offered by a donor is as heavy as Mount Sumeru; if one does not attain the Way in this life, one will have to repay the debt in future incarnations.
• Diligent practice through chanting Buddha's name: By receiving the Buddha's blessings, one can let go of the past and the future, focusing entirely on the present moment. One must chant Namo Amituofo all the way to the end.

The Eternal Potential for Awakening

The demon crowds are governed by their karma; they are beings of karma, existing either in a physical form or as a spirit. Yet, they all possess the same true self-nature as any other being. Namo Amituofo does not abandon a single person, because every being possesses this true self-nature. In the eyes of the Buddha, every single being is a Buddha in the making.

If these beings can receive Buddhist education and undergo the purification of daily practice—including prostrations, chanting Buddha's name, and reciting the Sutras—and if they can sincerely chant the Buddha-name and make the vow for rebirth in the Western Pure Land, there remains a genuine possibility for them to rediscover their true self. Namo Amituofo.