Buddha Nature & Demon Nature

Buddha Nature & Demonic Nature

In temples or spiritual groups, why does it always feel like there are constant controversies and a plethora of distorted truths? Why do critical voices circulate endlessly? This is due to the comparison of human hearts, where individuals only think about showcasing their own abilities, inadvertently denying the efforts of others, focusing solely on the shortcomings of those around them…

They only care about their own contributions while neglecting the efforts of others and are unable to accept the brilliance of others. Their eyes often speak louder than their hearts, failing to genuinely observe the strengths of fellow practitioners. It is easy to point out the flaws in others, but it is difficult to possess a heart full of tolerance because one has never put themselves in another’s shoes.

This phenomenon is commonly encountered in various temples or spiritual groups. Moreover, those with narrow minds tend to have even narrower hearts; their hidden self-esteem often leads them to worry that others may look down on them, resulting in an inflated sense of arrogance—constantly trying to elevate themselves. How can one learn and cultivate the path under such circumstances? How can one attain true realization?

It is important to recognize that one’s inner demons can also act insidiously… leading you to view everyone through a demonic lens and treat others accordingly. If you could see the world with a Buddha’s heart, then all beings in this mundane world would be Buddhas—the “Buddha within.”

Thus, when one’s inner demons are at play, they often become suspicious and fearful when others perform well. Deep within lies an extreme dissatisfaction, fearing that they might be replaced or lose their status. Consequently, they preemptively take sides, preferring to suppress others before promoting themselves—all for the sake of seeking favor.

As a result, conflicts often arise within temples or large groups—struggles for power and profit, fighting for positions, spreading rumors—these phenomena are commonplace because human hearts are swayed by selfish desires and excessive pride while worrying about others climbing higher.

It is essential to understand that whether in the workplace or spiritual groups, one must maintain a humble heart for learning; otherwise, you will spend all day revolving around other people’s issues while neglecting your own problems. Your focus will only be on watching others.

If you never make an effort to examine yourself and correct your faults, then even if you practice for ten or twenty years, your temper and flaws will remain unchanged; your habitual tendencies and afflictions will not improve. Isn’t it a waste of time merely scrutinizing the actions of others?

Spiritual cultivation is also referred to as “cultivating spirit.” You must understand that spirit does not cultivate itself; it relies on the physical body for learning and correction. Thus it is abbreviated as cultivating spirit. “Cultivation” means correcting past negative tendencies related to “spirituality”…

This includes inherent traits from past lives as well as genetic inheritance from this life—adjusting habits, changing temperaments, correcting faults. Therefore, cultivation is not just a slogan nor merely participating in classes or attending ceremonies like releasing lives or charitable acts…

You should know that these are just initial steps in learning compassion and generosity; do not turn yourself into someone who merely appears as a practitioner. Over these years I have seen many seniors and fellow practitioners in the spiritual community who evoke deep feelings—a senior practitioner who has been cultivating for ten or twenty years…

They prefer learning teachings without pursuing true understanding; they often become complacent with their current state without seeking improvement—even deifying themselves while entering into illusions where they deceive themselves. They frequently manipulate people’s minds using supernatural powers or tricks to control others but end up unknowingly entering into demonic realms or Asura paths.

With such behavior how can one become divine, holy, immortal or enlightened? Therefore having the right mindset towards learning and cultivation is crucial; do you wish to cultivate towards becoming “demonic” or towards becoming holy or enlightened? This entirely depends on each thought you have at every moment!

As it is said: The Way rises one foot high while demons rise ten feet high. This means… In order to learn and cultivate properly one must understand how to diminish oneself so that one can humbly receive teachings and correct one’s concepts and behaviors. Moreover, do you truly understand yourself? Your spirit cries out deep within your heart; I wonder if you’ve heard it?

Thus when learning The Way “the task of leadership must involve self-reflection,” rather than being self-important without discipline. Learning requires obedience towards teachers—masters—original spirits—spiritual leaders—and divine beings’ assignments: bowing down humbly following orders ensuring tasks are completed.

Conversely practicing demonic cultivation involves inflating oneself while belittling others—the realm of Asura involves differentiation mindsets filled with jealousy—arrogance—provocation—division—indulgence—anger—a sense of right vs wrong—a critical mindset—and intimidation mindset. One must ask: Are current practitioners studying The Way or studying demons?

Those who like following circumstances easily go along with trends—the gossipers belong among those who have not entered into genuine paths of cultivation—you should know that only by going against increasing conditions can one break through numerous challenges so as to receive recognition from divine beings granting authority over executing heavenly mandates.

by- Phoenix Mountain Compassionate Phoenix Palace