The Wisdom of the Demon Crowds
A Discourse with Namo Amituofo Recorded by Practitioner Shi Faxi
September 3, 2017
The Paradox of Manifestation
On the third of September, 2017, the Buddha's disciple, Practitioner Shi Faxi, respectfully requested that Namo Amituofo provide teachings regarding the nature of the so-called demon crowds. It is often said that these beings were once eminent monks and great practitioners in their past lives. Why, then, have they returned to this world in such a form to teach the ?
Namo Amituofo offers this profound guidance: Those who have come before us are demonstrating the Dharma through their own bodies. We must not fall into the trap of making discriminations. We must constantly sever the habit of judging others based on their outward appearance. Although the demon crowds may appear before you, they possess the heart of an eminent monk. Though they may manifest in ways that seem chaotic or mad, their actions are those of a .
Looking Beyond Appearances
You must not judge by appearances; instead, you must seek the spirit within. When you see pure Goodness, you should know to learn from it and emulate it. Do not use negative views to judge the teachings of life and death. Everything is governed by the laws of and cause and effect. At their core, all beings are fundamentally good.
If one lacks a true heart, how can one truly practise? We must cultivate the habit of Goodness; it is not about the total destruction of evil, but the transformation of the heart. This is the Buddha-actions, reflecting the Buddha's great . Why would you allow yourself to fall into the valley of evil by judging others? If you engage in such discrimination, you are not truly practising. If you are trapped in the same negative actions, how can you see the Truth?
The True Meaning of Compassion
If you discriminate when trying to save beings, how can you possess true compassion? You must fully commit to helping everyone; only then is your effort a true act of saving. It is the compassionate intention of the Tathagata to transform the dust of this world. The demon crowds were not originally evil; they have manifested to demonstrate the power of their practice.
They take all that they have known and use it to lead the confused masses. Do not use evil views to judge them, for they have come to re-establish the Truth in this world. They are now transmitting the very Dharma they once attained and verified. They are manifesting the true Dharma because they have seen and heard much throughout their long journey. By leading the confused, they are also balancing their own merits and faults, helping the Dharma-ending age to turn and recover its original, flourishing state.
The Crisis of the Heart
The Buddha’s teachings must not be distorted. In the current state of the world, the Truth is rarely seen. The catastrophe of the Dharma-ending age lies within the heart—a false heart that lacks real practice. Without real practice, how can one attain realisation? When the teachings are distorted, one can no longer see the Truth. How then can one lead the masses to travel together to the of Ultimate Bliss?
When the world sees the decline of the Dharma, it is not a cause for , nor is there any intention to learn. If this is the case, what is the purpose of our existence? We must follow the path of the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way and not fall into confusion again. The world is as it is, but the Truth is a path of pure Goodness. The of the demon crowds is the heart of the true Dharma. It is a great vow of compassion, free from all discrimination.
Returning to the Source
When your heart and nature are aligned, you will be able to learn the Truth as it is. Under the vastness of a great heart, there will surely be virtue and learning. The demon crowds are now being saved and transformed, returning to their original state as monks. What they say is true, and you should rely on the principles of the Dharma to learn from them.
The Dharma is now turning; all that is Good will be protected. All the teachers have come to instruct the disciples of the Buddha. You must rely on the Buddha, follow the Truth, and learn from it. Do not let your own lead you astray; instead, follow the path of true, sincere practice. Practice is paramount as we all return to the West together. Today, we bring the great Dharma to the masses so that we may all work together.
There is no discrimination; we are all part of one body. Do not see differences anymore; just focus on the path of pure Goodness. The withered state of the Dharma is now being transformed. Let us all rise together to follow the true teachings of the Tathagata.
This teaching was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Practitioner Shi Faxi.
Namo Amituofo
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