The Awakening of Spiritual Awareness (12)
Curiosity is something that everyone possesses. Curiosity can lead to personal growth. However, it can also result in obsession and downfall. With the rapid development of the internet.
Cultural information between the East and West flows easily. In recent years, the popular development of spiritual energy and human potential in the West has gradually taken root in Taiwan.
Promoted by well-known figures, there are even dedicated academic research institutions exploring how to develop special latent abilities in humans.
Many practitioners have experienced that after a period of practice, they awaken a special sensitivity and abilities. The special abilities manifested
differ from person to person. Each individual has their own unique potential, commonly referred to as supernatural powers. According to classical texts,
the special sensitivities and abilities developed through these practices can only be considered as extraordinary functions, rather than true supernatural powers as recorded in the classics.
In the initial stage of awakening spiritual awareness, some people may unlock their body’s potential and become more sensitive. They may develop some abilities similar to supernatural powers,
enabling them to connect with messages from the Dharma realm.
They may even be influenced by it, becoming addicted and unable to extricate themselves. They believe they are walking on the sacred path,
putting first their commitment to fulfill the will of deities and Buddhas, considering themselves as representatives of deities and Buddhas,
and dedicating themselves to saving all beings while being lost in delusions.
This leads them to neglect their responsibilities in real life, deviating from human nature and moral principles. (In this life, if one can be a good person, that is enough—Amitabha).
Furthermore, some may awaken special healing abilities and believe they can help others resolve physical ailments
and obstacles caused by disturbances from the Dharma realm. They often exercise this special ability
to address issues related to people’s bodies and external spirits, which causes corresponding parts of their own body to feel discomfort or pain.
They need more cultivation themselves to enhance their energy and repair their own obstacles through strong efforts.
Eventually, it is their own body that suffers exhaustion. On the surface, spiritual healing seems effective,
but in reality its effects are minimal; it is merely a temporary phenomenon. The key factor remains whether clients possess self-reflective power.
If they continue acting according to their own habits or “concepts” without changing or transforming their thoughts,
no matter how powerful one’s skills are, it will not matter. People tend to seek auspicious locations for feng shui,
believing that good mountains and waters provide energy support; yet it is better to cultivate genuine intentions,
constantly perform kind deeds with pleasant words, and build good relationships—this alone brings peace of mind; this is one’s own auspicious location.
Why seek famous mountains elsewhere? Acquiring supernatural powers is a dream for every practitioner
and can represent personal achievements in cultivation; however, these powers are merely added value
and not the true essence of cultivation. The Buddha does not encourage disciples to pursue supernatural powers because they do not lead ultimately towards liberation.
Supernatural powers cannot overcome karma; they cannot compare with morality.
Supernatural powers are merely a convenient method. A morally upright person who possesses supernatural abilities uses them very cautiously;
the benefits derived from such usage for oneself or others are truly very limited. As ancient wisdom states: causes create effects—one reaps what one sows;
each must bear responsibility for oneself; even the Buddha cannot change this.
Supernatural transformations are illusory actions. Understanding one’s mind nature is like a clear mirror;
it responds without leaving traces when encountering circumstances.
The afflictions inherently contain seeds of enlightenment; understanding one’s heart reveals its true meaning;
all things complete act without obstruction.
by Teacher Liu Hongming