The shurangama mantra The shurangama mantra | Page 243

【THE SHURANGAMA SUTRA _ EXTRACTION.】
something unique. He may eat only
medicinal herbs and not partake of
prepared food. Or he may eat only
one sesame seed and one grain of
wheat a day and still look robust.
That is because he is sustained by the
power of the demon. He slanders
Bhikshus and scolds his assembly of
disciples without fear of ridicule or
rejection. 8:135
”Further, in the unhindered clarity
and wonder that ensues after the
feeling skandha is gone, this good
person is untroubled by any deviant
mental state and experiences perfect,
bright concentration. Within samadhi,
his mind craves spiritual powers and
all manner of transformations, so he
investigates the source of
transformations as he greedily seeks
for spiritual powers. 8:143
”He is fond of talking about treasure
troves in other locations, or of remote
and hidden places where sages and
worthies of the ten directions dwell.
Those who follow him often see
strange and unusual people. 8:141
”At that time a demon from the
heavens seizes the opportunity it has
been waiting for. Its spirit possesses
another person and uses him as a
mouthpiece to expound the Sutras
and the Dharma. 8:144
”This is a ghost or spirit of the
mountain forests, earth, cities, rivers,
and mountains that in its old age has
become a demon. The person it
possesses may advocate promiscuity
and violate the Buddha’s precepts.
He may covertly indulge in the five
desires with his followers. Or he may
appear to be vigorous, eating only
wild plants. His behavior is erratic,
and he disturbs and confuses the
good person. But when the demon
tires, it will leave the other person’s
body. Then both the disciples and the
teacher will get in trouble with the
law. 8:142
”This person, truly unaware that he is
possessed by a demon, also claims he
has reached unsurpassed Nirvana.
When he comes to see that good
person who seeks spiritual powers, he
arranges a seat and speaks the
Dharma. The possessed person may
hold fire in his hands and, grasping a
portion of it, put a flame on the head
of each listener in the Fourfold
Assembly. The flames on top of their
heads are several feet high, yet they
are not hot and no one is burned. Or
he may walk on water as if on dry
land; or he may sit motionless in the
air; or he may enter into a bottle or
stay in a bag; or he may pass through
window panes and walls without
obstruction. Only when attacked by
weapons does he feel ill at ease. He
declares himself to be a Buddha and,
wearing the clothing of a lay person,
receives bows from Bhikshus. He
slanders dhyana meditation and the
”You should be aware of this in
advance and not get caught up in the
cycle of transmigration. If you are
confused and do not understand, you
will fall into the Relentless Hells.
8:142
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