Difference between revisions of "The Buddhist Perspective on Magic and the Supernatural"
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A. [[Magic]] Is Not the {{Wiki|Ultimate}} | A. [[Magic]] Is Not the {{Wiki|Ultimate}} | ||
| − | According to [[scriptures]], even though two thousand years have passed, several of the [[Buddha’s]] [[disciples]] still live amongst us. Mahakyasyapa, one of the [[Buddha’s]] top [[disciples]], is guarding the [[Buddha’s]] robe and in deep [[meditation]] inside [[Kukkutapada]] mountain | + | According to [[scriptures]], even though two thousand years have passed, several of the [[Buddha’s]] [[disciples]] still live amongst us. [[Mahakyasyapa]], one of the [[Buddha’s]] top [[disciples]], is guarding the [[Buddha’s]] robe and in deep [[meditation]] inside [[Kukkutapada]] mountain. |
| − | + | He is waiting for the [[birth]] of [[Maitreya Buddha]] fifty-six trillion and seven hundred million years from now. He will {{Wiki|present}} the robe, which represents the correct [[Dharma]] of the previous [[Buddha]], to [[Maitreya Buddha]] for the continuous spread of the teachings. Decades ago, there was a story about a {{Wiki|French}} explorer who actually met [[Mahakasyapa]] in [[India]]. | |
| − | |||
| − | Because the [[Venerable]] misused [[magic]], he still has to live and [[suffer]] amongst us. [[Magic]] cannot increase our [[virtue]] or eradicate [[defilements]]. Careless use will only build more [[obstacles]] to {{Wiki|emancipation}}. It is obvious that [[magic]] is not the {{Wiki|solution}} for cycles of [[rebirth]]. Only practicing [[virtue]] is the sure and steady approach toward the [[Buddha]] [[Path]]. | + | [[Venerable]] [[Pindolabharadvaja]] is another of [[Buddha’s]] [[disciples]] still living amongst us. He is one of the sixteen [[disciples]] named in The [[Amitabha Sutra]]. He has [[attained]] the {{Wiki|holy}} fruit of [[Arhat]]. |
| + | |||
| + | Why would an [[arhat]] remain here and not enter [[Nirvana]]? It is because once he showed off his [[magic]] in front of the faithful. Once when in a jubilant [[mood]], he said to the faithful, | ||
| + | |||
| + | "Do you think flying in the sky is [[magical]]? I will show you some spectacular acts." | ||
| + | |||
| + | He then jumped up into the sky and performed many miraculous acts. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The faithful were all impressed and praised him without ceasing. The [[Buddha]] was very displeased upon {{Wiki|learning}} of this incident. He asked the [[Venerable]] to come forth and admonished him, | ||
| + | |||
| + | "My [[teaching]] uses [[morality]] to change others and [[compassion]] to save [[living beings]]. It does not use [[magic]] to impress and confuse [[people]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | You have misused [[magic]] today. As {{Wiki|punishment}}, I order you to stay in this [[world]], to work for more [[merits]] and to [[repent]] for this misbehavior before entering [[Nirvana]]." | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | Because the [[Venerable]] misused [[magic]], he still has to live and [[suffer]] amongst us. [[Magic]] cannot increase our [[virtue]] or eradicate [[defilements]]. Careless use will only build more [[obstacles]] to {{Wiki|emancipation}}. | ||
| + | |||
| + | It is obvious that [[magic]] is not the {{Wiki|solution}} for cycles of [[rebirth]]. Only practicing [[virtue]] is the sure and steady approach toward the [[Buddha]] [[Path]]. | ||
| + | |||
B. [[Magic]] Cannot Mitigate the Force of [[Karma]] | B. [[Magic]] Cannot Mitigate the Force of [[Karma]] | ||
| − | The strongest force in this [[world]] is not [[magic]]. It is the force of [[deeds]], or [[karma]]. In {{Wiki|Chinese}} history, there once was an uprising and millions of [[people]] were slaughtered | + | The strongest force in this [[world]] is not [[magic]]. It is the force of [[deeds]], or [[karma]]. In {{Wiki|Chinese}} history, there once was an uprising and millions of [[people]] were slaughtered. |
| − | + | There was a saying, "Rebel Huang will kill eight million. | |
| − | + | If you are in that number and it is your turn, you can never escape." The legend held that this rebel did kill eight million [[people]] before he was suppressed. | |
| − | However, looking into the [[bowl]], he was shocked. The clansmen had turned into a pool of {{Wiki|blood}}. Even [[Maudgalyayana]] himself, who was renowned for his [[magic]], could not overcome the force of [[karma]]. He could fly freely into the [[heaven]] and had ventured into [[hell]] to save his mother. Yet, he was eventually killed by a stone thrown by {{Wiki|heretics}}. How can a [[venerable]] with such great [[magic]] be so easily killed by a stone? Many of the [[Buddha’s]] [[disciples]] were perturbed and [[angry]]. The [[Buddha]] spoke to the [[disciples]], "[[Magic]] cannot mitigate the force of [[karma]]. It is Maudgalyayana’s [[karma]] to be killed by the stone thrown by {{Wiki|heretics}}. You should not [[doubt]] the limit of [[magic]]. It is more important to diligently {{Wiki|purify}} your [[action]], {{Wiki|speech}}, and [[thought]]." | + | |
| + | Regardless of whether this story is {{Wiki|factual}} or [[mythical]], we will talk about the [[phrase]] "your number and your turn." What does it mean? It means that none can escape [[karma]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | Those citizens during that uprising shared [[common karma]] which had to be repaid with {{Wiki|blood}}. | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Magic]] cannot overcome the [[hindrance]] of [[karma]]. We must reap what we have sown. There is no escape. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Once, [[King]] [[Virudhaka]] of [[Kosala]] was attacking the [[Buddha’s]] motherland, [[Kapilavastu]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Maudgalyayana]], foremost in [[magic]] among the [[Buddha’s]] [[disciples]], volunteered to save the [[Sakya clan]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The [[Buddha]] replied sadly, "[[Maudgalyayana]], this is the [[Sakya]] clan’s [[karma]] and they have not repented for it. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Today they will have to pay for their [[deeds]]. Although they are my [[family]], even my [[magic]] cannot spare them." | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | [[Maudgalyayana]] did not believe the [[Buddha’s words]]. He flew into the city, which was completely surrounded by troops. He picked five hundred [[Sakya clansmen]] and {{Wiki|magically}} put them in his [[almsbowl]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | He flew out of the city and happily came before the [[Buddha]]. He said, "[[Lord Buddha]]. Look! I have saved a group of your clansmen." | ||
| + | |||
| + | However, looking into the [[bowl]], he was shocked. The clansmen had turned into a pool of {{Wiki|blood}}. Even [[Maudgalyayana]] himself, who was renowned for his [[magic]], could not overcome the force of [[karma]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | He could fly freely into the [[heaven]] and had ventured into [[hell]] to save his mother. Yet, he was eventually killed by a stone thrown by {{Wiki|heretics}}. | ||
| + | |||
| + | How can a [[venerable]] with such great [[magic]] be so easily killed by a stone? Many of the [[Buddha’s]] [[disciples]] were perturbed and [[angry]]. The [[Buddha]] spoke to the [[disciples]], "[[Magic]] cannot mitigate the force of [[karma]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | It is [[Maudgalyayana’s]] [[karma]] to be killed by the stone thrown by {{Wiki|heretics}}. You should not [[doubt]] the limit of [[magic]]. It is more important to diligently {{Wiki|purify}} your [[action]], {{Wiki|speech}}, and [[thought]]." | ||
There is a saying, "A boxer is killed by a fist. A swimmer drowns in [[water]]." [[Magic]] is not all powerful. One must not think that [[magic]] will make one [[fearless]]. The force of prior [[karma]] cannot be influenced by [[magic]]. If we only rely on [[magic]], we can worsen our situation and may even lose our [[lives]]. | There is a saying, "A boxer is killed by a fist. A swimmer drowns in [[water]]." [[Magic]] is not all powerful. One must not think that [[magic]] will make one [[fearless]]. The force of prior [[karma]] cannot be influenced by [[magic]]. If we only rely on [[magic]], we can worsen our situation and may even lose our [[lives]]. | ||
| Line 25: | Line 69: | ||
C. [[Magic]] Is {{Wiki|Inferior}} to [[Virtues]] | C. [[Magic]] Is {{Wiki|Inferior}} to [[Virtues]] | ||
| − | Beginning students in [[Buddhism]] are most attracted to [[magic]]. When they learn about someone who has had a [[supernatural]] [[experience]], they flock to see this [[person]]. They usually overlook the [[cultivation]] of [[virtue]] in daily living. [[Wisdom]] is only developed through deep [[mental concentration]] from [[meditation]], and [[meditation]] [[success]] relies on upholding [[precepts]] in daily living. If all of us here are serious students of [[Buddhism]], we must start from the foundation of [[morality]], not [[magic]]. | + | Beginning students in [[Buddhism]] are most attracted to [[magic]]. When they learn about someone who has had a [[supernatural]] [[experience]], they flock to see this [[person]]. They usually overlook the [[cultivation]] of [[virtue]] in daily living. |
| + | |||
| + | [[Wisdom]] is only developed through deep [[mental concentration]] from [[meditation]], and [[meditation]] [[success]] relies on upholding [[precepts]] in daily living. If all of us here are serious students of [[Buddhism]], we must start from the foundation of [[morality]], not [[magic]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Do you really think [[magic]] will make your [[life]] [[happier]]? As long as we cannot read [[minds]], even though [[people]] may [[hate]] us and curse us, we do not know it and everything is okay. | ||
| − | + | If we could read [[minds]], then we would know that this [[person]] is totally [[immoral]], that one is hateful, and the other one is full of devious [[ideas]]. We would [[feel]] uncomfortable among these [[people]]. | |
| − | [[Magic]] would not necessarily make [[life]] better. [[Morality]] and [[virtue]] are the true inexhaustible [[treasures]]. Before we are accomplished in high [[virtue]] and [[morality]], we should not have [[magical]] [[powers]]. A [[life]] of [[virtue]] is {{Wiki|superior}} to that of [[magic]]. | + | Even when we wished to be spared, we would still have the [[information]] anyway. Every day would be a long day. Suppose that we were about to [[die]] tomorrow but we did not know that, then today still would be a [[joyful]] day. |
| + | |||
| + | If we had the power of [[knowing]] the {{Wiki|future}} and we found out that [[death]] awaited us in twenty years, from this day on we would live our [[lives]] anxiously under the shadow of [[death]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | If we had [[celestial]] [[vision]] and found our loved ones having an affair, we would be consumed by [[jealousy]] and [[life]] would be [[miserable]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | If we do not know, we may live happily as ever. If we had [[celestial]] hearing, we might find our most trusted friends reviling us behind our backs, and we would certainly be enraged. Without [[celestial]] hearing, we may enjoy more [[peace]] and quietness. | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Magic]] would not necessarily make [[life]] better. [[Morality]] and [[virtue]] are the true inexhaustible [[treasures]]. Before we are accomplished in high [[virtue]] and [[morality]], we should not have [[magical]] [[powers]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | A [[life]] of [[virtue]] is {{Wiki|superior}} to that of [[magic]]. | ||
D. [[Magic]] Cannot Surpass [[Emptiness]] | D. [[Magic]] Cannot Surpass [[Emptiness]] | ||
| − | [[Magic]] is in the [[realm of phenomena]]. The [[prajna]] [[wisdom]] of [[Buddhism]] is in the [[realm]] of [[emptiness]] which is everywhere, not bounded by anything. When there is [[experience]] in [[life]], [[experience]] is [[magic]]. When there is [[wisdom]] in [[life]], [[wisdom]] is [[magic]]. When we have different capabilities in [[life]], those capabilities are [[magic]]. There is the [[truth]] of [[emptiness]] in [[life]]; the [[truth]] of [[emptiness]] is also [[magic]]. The [[wisdom of emptiness]] is very profound. It is not [[void]] or {{Wiki|annihilation}} as most [[people]] commonly believe. [[Emptiness]] allows [[existence]]. It is the source of all [[phenomena]]. For example, because of the [[empty]] [[space]] in this lecture hall, it can accommodate us and make this lecture series possible. When our hearts are as broad as the [[universe]], we too can have the capacity for everything. [[Emptiness]] is the most powerful force. [[Magic]] cannot compare with its boundlessness and inexhaustibility. | + | [[Magic]] is in the [[realm of phenomena]]. The [[prajna]] [[wisdom]] of [[Buddhism]] is in the [[realm]] of [[emptiness]] which is everywhere, not bounded by anything. When there is [[experience]] in [[life]], [[experience]] is [[magic]]. |
| + | |||
| + | When there is [[wisdom]] in [[life]], [[wisdom]] is [[magic]]. When we have different capabilities in [[life]], those capabilities are [[magic]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | There is the [[truth]] of [[emptiness]] in [[life]]; the [[truth]] of [[emptiness]] is also [[magic]]. The [[wisdom of emptiness]] is very profound. It is not [[void]] or {{Wiki|annihilation}} as most [[people]] commonly believe. [[Emptiness]] allows [[existence]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | It is the source of all [[phenomena]]. For example, because of the [[empty]] [[space]] in this lecture hall, it can accommodate us and make this lecture series possible. | ||
| + | |||
| + | When our hearts are as broad as the [[universe]], we too can have the capacity for everything. [[Emptiness]] is the most powerful force. [[Magic]] cannot compare with its boundlessness and inexhaustibility. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Once, the [[Ch’an]] [[master]] [[Venerable]] [[Tao]] Shu settled next to a [[Wikipedia:Taoism|Taoist]] [[temple]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The [[Wikipedia:Taoism|Taoist]] {{Wiki|priests}} were very irate at his presence and used every kind of [[magic]] and tricks to scare him away. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Almost all the residents were frightened away. However, the [[Ch’an]] [[master]] remained unmoving as ever. | ||
| + | |||
| + | After twenty years, the [[Wikipedia:Taoism|Taoist]] {{Wiki|priests}} gave up. [[People]] asked, "What [[magic]] did you use to beat those [[Wikipedia:Taoism|Taoist]] {{Wiki|priests}}?" | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | The [[Ch’an]] [[master]] replied, "Oh, nothing. I used [[emptiness]] to beat them. [[Wikipedia:Taoism|Taoist]] {{Wiki|priests}} have [[magic]] and tricks. ‘Having’ is being finite, being exhaustible, being bounded, being measurable. | ||
| + | |||
| + | I do not have any [[magic]]. ‘Not having’ means being [[infinite]], being inexhaustible, being [[boundless]], being [[immeasurable]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Therefore, [[emptiness]] (not having) can overcome [[magic]] (having) by being broader, greater, higher, {{Wiki|superior}}." | ||
| − | + | [[Buddhism]] uses [[emptiness]] as [[existence]]. It is much more powerful than [[magic]]. | |
| − | The [[ | + | The [[wisdom of emptiness]] is much more advanced than [[magic]]. We will be much better off [[attaining]] the [[truth]] of [[emptiness]] than the power of [[magic]]. |
| − | + | The [[truth]] of [[emptiness]] will be far more [[essential]] and valuable. | |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
{{R}} | {{R}} | ||
Latest revision as of 03:28, 29 September 2015
A. Magic Is Not the Ultimate
According to scriptures, even though two thousand years have passed, several of the Buddha’s disciples still live amongst us. Mahakyasyapa, one of the Buddha’s top disciples, is guarding the Buddha’s robe and in deep meditation inside Kukkutapada mountain.
He is waiting for the birth of Maitreya Buddha fifty-six trillion and seven hundred million years from now. He will present the robe, which represents the correct Dharma of the previous Buddha, to Maitreya Buddha for the continuous spread of the teachings. Decades ago, there was a story about a French explorer who actually met Mahakasyapa in India.
Venerable Pindolabharadvaja is another of Buddha’s disciples still living amongst us. He is one of the sixteen disciples named in The Amitabha Sutra. He has attained the holy fruit of Arhat.
Why would an arhat remain here and not enter Nirvana? It is because once he showed off his magic in front of the faithful. Once when in a jubilant mood, he said to the faithful,
"Do you think flying in the sky is magical? I will show you some spectacular acts."
He then jumped up into the sky and performed many miraculous acts.
The faithful were all impressed and praised him without ceasing. The Buddha was very displeased upon learning of this incident. He asked the Venerable to come forth and admonished him,
"My teaching uses morality to change others and compassion to save living beings. It does not use magic to impress and confuse people.
You have misused magic today. As punishment, I order you to stay in this world, to work for more merits and to repent for this misbehavior before entering Nirvana."
Because the Venerable misused magic, he still has to live and suffer amongst us. Magic cannot increase our virtue or eradicate defilements. Careless use will only build more obstacles to emancipation.
It is obvious that magic is not the solution for cycles of rebirth. Only practicing virtue is the sure and steady approach toward the Buddha Path.
B. Magic Cannot Mitigate the Force of Karma
The strongest force in this world is not magic. It is the force of deeds, or karma. In Chinese history, there once was an uprising and millions of people were slaughtered.
There was a saying, "Rebel Huang will kill eight million.
If you are in that number and it is your turn, you can never escape." The legend held that this rebel did kill eight million people before he was suppressed.
Regardless of whether this story is factual or mythical, we will talk about the phrase "your number and your turn." What does it mean? It means that none can escape karma.
Those citizens during that uprising shared common karma which had to be repaid with blood.
Magic cannot overcome the hindrance of karma. We must reap what we have sown. There is no escape.
Once, King Virudhaka of Kosala was attacking the Buddha’s motherland, Kapilavastu.
Maudgalyayana, foremost in magic among the Buddha’s disciples, volunteered to save the Sakya clan.
The Buddha replied sadly, "Maudgalyayana, this is the Sakya clan’s karma and they have not repented for it.
Today they will have to pay for their deeds. Although they are my family, even my magic cannot spare them."
Maudgalyayana did not believe the Buddha’s words. He flew into the city, which was completely surrounded by troops. He picked five hundred Sakya clansmen and magically put them in his almsbowl.
He flew out of the city and happily came before the Buddha. He said, "Lord Buddha. Look! I have saved a group of your clansmen."
However, looking into the bowl, he was shocked. The clansmen had turned into a pool of blood. Even Maudgalyayana himself, who was renowned for his magic, could not overcome the force of karma.
He could fly freely into the heaven and had ventured into hell to save his mother. Yet, he was eventually killed by a stone thrown by heretics.
How can a venerable with such great magic be so easily killed by a stone? Many of the Buddha’s disciples were perturbed and angry. The Buddha spoke to the disciples, "Magic cannot mitigate the force of karma.
It is Maudgalyayana’s karma to be killed by the stone thrown by heretics. You should not doubt the limit of magic. It is more important to diligently purify your action, speech, and thought."
There is a saying, "A boxer is killed by a fist. A swimmer drowns in water." Magic is not all powerful. One must not think that magic will make one fearless. The force of prior karma cannot be influenced by magic. If we only rely on magic, we can worsen our situation and may even lose our lives.
C. Magic Is Inferior to Virtues
Beginning students in Buddhism are most attracted to magic. When they learn about someone who has had a supernatural experience, they flock to see this person. They usually overlook the cultivation of virtue in daily living.
Wisdom is only developed through deep mental concentration from meditation, and meditation success relies on upholding precepts in daily living. If all of us here are serious students of Buddhism, we must start from the foundation of morality, not magic.
Do you really think magic will make your life happier? As long as we cannot read minds, even though people may hate us and curse us, we do not know it and everything is okay.
If we could read minds, then we would know that this person is totally immoral, that one is hateful, and the other one is full of devious ideas. We would feel uncomfortable among these people.
Even when we wished to be spared, we would still have the information anyway. Every day would be a long day. Suppose that we were about to die tomorrow but we did not know that, then today still would be a joyful day.
If we had the power of knowing the future and we found out that death awaited us in twenty years, from this day on we would live our lives anxiously under the shadow of death.
If we had celestial vision and found our loved ones having an affair, we would be consumed by jealousy and life would be miserable.
If we do not know, we may live happily as ever. If we had celestial hearing, we might find our most trusted friends reviling us behind our backs, and we would certainly be enraged. Without celestial hearing, we may enjoy more peace and quietness.
Magic would not necessarily make life better. Morality and virtue are the true inexhaustible treasures. Before we are accomplished in high virtue and morality, we should not have magical powers.
A life of virtue is superior to that of magic.
D. Magic Cannot Surpass Emptiness
Magic is in the realm of phenomena. The prajna wisdom of Buddhism is in the realm of emptiness which is everywhere, not bounded by anything. When there is experience in life, experience is magic.
When there is wisdom in life, wisdom is magic. When we have different capabilities in life, those capabilities are magic.
There is the truth of emptiness in life; the truth of emptiness is also magic. The wisdom of emptiness is very profound. It is not void or annihilation as most people commonly believe. Emptiness allows existence.
It is the source of all phenomena. For example, because of the empty space in this lecture hall, it can accommodate us and make this lecture series possible.
When our hearts are as broad as the universe, we too can have the capacity for everything. Emptiness is the most powerful force. Magic cannot compare with its boundlessness and inexhaustibility.
Once, the Ch’an master Venerable Tao Shu settled next to a Taoist temple.
The Taoist priests were very irate at his presence and used every kind of magic and tricks to scare him away.
Almost all the residents were frightened away. However, the Ch’an master remained unmoving as ever.
After twenty years, the Taoist priests gave up. People asked, "What magic did you use to beat those Taoist priests?"
The Ch’an master replied, "Oh, nothing. I used emptiness to beat them. Taoist priests have magic and tricks. ‘Having’ is being finite, being exhaustible, being bounded, being measurable.
I do not have any magic. ‘Not having’ means being infinite, being inexhaustible, being boundless, being immeasurable.
Therefore, emptiness (not having) can overcome magic (having) by being broader, greater, higher, superior."
Buddhism uses emptiness as existence. It is much more powerful than magic.
The wisdom of emptiness is much more advanced than magic. We will be much better off attaining the truth of emptiness than the power of magic.
The truth of emptiness will be far more essential and valuable.
