Difference between revisions of "Demons"
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| − | [[Demons]] [[Evil influences]] which hinder cultivation. These can take an [[infinite]] number of [[forms]], including [[evil beings]] or [[hallucinations]]. {{Wiki|Disease}} and [[death]], as well as the [[three poisons]] of [[greed]], [[anger]] and [[delusion]] are also equated to [[demons]], as they disturb the [[mind]]. The [[Nirvana Sutra]] lists four types of {{Wiki|demon}}: | + | [[Demons]] [[Evil influences]] which hinder cultivation. [[demons]] ([[mo]]): Anything or anyone who serves as an [[obstacle]] to [[realizing]] your [[Buddha-nature]]. There are two types—internal and external {{Wiki|demons}}. Internal {{Wiki|demons}} are created by your own [[mind]] and are the most numerous and most difficult to expel. These can take an [[infinite]] number of [[forms]], including [[evil beings]] or [[hallucinations]]. {{Wiki|Disease}} and [[death]], as well as the [[three poisons]] of [[greed]], [[anger]] and [[delusion]] are also equated to [[demons]], as they disturb the [[mind]]. The [[Nirvana Sutra]] lists four types of {{Wiki|demon}}: |
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i) [[greed]], [[anger]] and [[delusion]]; | i) [[greed]], [[anger]] and [[delusion]]; | ||
ii) the [[five skandas]], or obstructions [[caused]] by [[physical]] and {{Wiki|mental functions}}; | ii) the [[five skandas]], or obstructions [[caused]] by [[physical]] and {{Wiki|mental functions}}; | ||
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iv) the [[demon of the Sixth Heaven]] ([[Realm of Desire]]). | iv) the [[demon of the Sixth Heaven]] ([[Realm of Desire]]). | ||
| − | The Self-Nature has been described in [[Mahayana sutras]] as a house full of {{Wiki|gold}} and jewelry. To preserve the riches, i.e., to keep the [[mind]] [[calm]], [[empty]] and still, we should shut the doors to the three thieves of [[greed]], [[anger]] and [[delusion]]. Letting the [[mind]] wander opens the house to " | + | The [[Self-Nature]] has been described in [[Mahayana sutras]] as a house full of {{Wiki|gold}} and jewelry. To preserve the riches, i.e., to keep the [[mind]] [[calm]], [[empty]] and still, we should shut the doors to the three thieves of [[greed]], [[anger]] and [[delusion]]. Letting the [[mind]] wander opens the house to "[[demons]]," that is, [[hallucinations]] and harm. Thus, [[Zen]] practitioners are taught that, while in [[meditation]], "Encountering [[demons]], kill the {{Wiki|demons}}, encountering [[Buddhas]], kill the [[Buddhas]]." Both {{Wiki|demons}} and [[Buddhas]] are [[mind]]-made, [[Mind-Only]]. |
For a detailed [[discussion]] of {{Wiki|demons}}, see [[Master]] [[Thich Thien Tam]], [[Buddhism]] of [[Wisdom]] and' [[Faith]], sect. 51. | For a detailed [[discussion]] of {{Wiki|demons}}, see [[Master]] [[Thich Thien Tam]], [[Buddhism]] of [[Wisdom]] and' [[Faith]], sect. 51. | ||
| + | See; “[[skandha-mara]],” [[Shurangama Sutra]]. | ||
[[Mara (demon)]] | [[Mara (demon)]] | ||
</poem> | </poem> | ||
Revision as of 19:09, 27 March 2014
Demons Evil influences which hinder cultivation. demons (mo): Anything or anyone who serves as an obstacle to realizing your Buddha-nature. There are two types—internal and external demons. Internal demons are created by your own mind and are the most numerous and most difficult to expel. These can take an infinite number of forms, including evil beings or hallucinations. Disease and death, as well as the three poisons of greed, anger and delusion are also equated to demons, as they disturb the mind. The Nirvana Sutra lists four types of demon:
i) greed, anger and delusion;
ii) the five skandas, or obstructions caused by physical and mental functions;
iii) death;
iv) the demon of the Sixth Heaven (Realm of Desire).
The Self-Nature has been described in Mahayana sutras as a house full of gold and jewelry. To preserve the riches, i.e., to keep the mind calm, empty and still, we should shut the doors to the three thieves of greed, anger and delusion. Letting the mind wander opens the house to "demons," that is, hallucinations and harm. Thus, Zen practitioners are taught that, while in meditation, "Encountering demons, kill the demons, encountering Buddhas, kill the Buddhas." Both demons and Buddhas are mind-made, Mind-Only.
For a detailed discussion of demons, see Master Thich Thien Tam, Buddhism of Wisdom and' Faith, sect. 51.
See; “skandha-mara,” Shurangama Sutra.
Mara (demon)
