How does karma work in relation to so called Demons, Are they subject to it? And what does Buddhism say on how do Demons operate?
Thanks
Isnt it a Buddhist belief that so called Demons exist?
- LonesomeYogurt
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Re: Isnt it a Buddhist belief that so called Demons exist?
The only real "demons" in Buddhist cosmology would be the Hungry Ghosts, who don't often interact with humans. There are occasionally mentions of demons who reign in hell realms but they are often presented in a clearly symbolic way.
Devas, on the other hand, are heavenly beings - far more angel than demon.
All beings, including heavenly ones, are bound by Karma. They have been born as gods because of past actions.
Devas, on the other hand, are heavenly beings - far more angel than demon.
All beings, including heavenly ones, are bound by Karma. They have been born as gods because of past actions.
Gain and loss, status and disgrace,
censure and praise, pleasure and pain:
these conditions among human beings are inconstant,
impermanent, subject to change.
Knowing this, the wise person, mindful,
ponders these changing conditions.
Desirable things don’t charm the mind,
undesirable ones bring no resistance.
His welcoming and rebelling are scattered,
gone to their end,
do not exist.
- Lokavipatti Sutta
Stuff I write about things.
censure and praise, pleasure and pain:
these conditions among human beings are inconstant,
impermanent, subject to change.
Knowing this, the wise person, mindful,
ponders these changing conditions.
Desirable things don’t charm the mind,
undesirable ones bring no resistance.
His welcoming and rebelling are scattered,
gone to their end,
do not exist.
- Lokavipatti Sutta
Stuff I write about things.
- Khalil Bodhi
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Re: Isnt it a Buddhist belief that so called Demons exist?
Also, don't forget the Asura who battled the Devata for the control of heaven. I believe they are more clearly the parallel of the Judeo-Christian fallen angels: http://www.accesstoinsight.org/glossary.html#asura
Mettaya,
Mike
Mettaya,
Mike
To avoid all evil, to cultivate good, and to cleanse one's mind — this is the teaching of the Buddhas.
-Dhp. 183
The Stoic Buddhist: https://www.quora.com/q/dwxmcndlgmobmeu ... pOR2p0uAdH
My Practice Blog:
http://khalilbodhi.wordpress.com
-Dhp. 183
The Stoic Buddhist: https://www.quora.com/q/dwxmcndlgmobmeu ... pOR2p0uAdH
My Practice Blog:
http://khalilbodhi.wordpress.com
- James the Giant
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Re: Isnt it a Buddhist belief that so called Demons exist?
Here's a gruesome modern depiction of Asura http://www.cgarena.com/gallery/3d/descr ... /asura.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Here's a modern version of Mara, as seen by the Sri Lankans... but a warning, it's in the shape of a monstrous penis. yeah you heard me. http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q104 ... hoto22.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://lparchive.org/Shin-Megami-Tensei ... 3-MARA.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Cool imagery.
I'm not at all spooked by the silly traditional depictions of demons, but these weird tentacle things and spiders and Asura freak me out.
Here's a modern version of Mara, as seen by the Sri Lankans... but a warning, it's in the shape of a monstrous penis. yeah you heard me. http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q104 ... hoto22.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://lparchive.org/Shin-Megami-Tensei ... 3-MARA.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Cool imagery.
I'm not at all spooked by the silly traditional depictions of demons, but these weird tentacle things and spiders and Asura freak me out.
Then,
saturated with joy,
you will put an end to suffering and stress.
SN 9.11
saturated with joy,
you will put an end to suffering and stress.
SN 9.11
- Bhikkhu Pesala
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Re: Isnt it a Buddhist belief that so called Demons exist?
The actions of the demons who are the wardens of hell are described in the Devadūta Sutta of the Majjhimanikāya.
I guess the demons are also suffering greatly having to do such gruesome work, just as present-day executioners, riot-police, and prison-wardens have to suffer mental anquish while inflicting suffering on others. Though they themselves are not criminals, they have to associate with criminals and face numerous threats and abuse on a daily basis, which is not a happy kammic result.
I guess the demons are also suffering greatly having to do such gruesome work, just as present-day executioners, riot-police, and prison-wardens have to suffer mental anquish while inflicting suffering on others. Though they themselves are not criminals, they have to associate with criminals and face numerous threats and abuse on a daily basis, which is not a happy kammic result.
Blog • Pāli Fonts • In This Very Life • Buddhist Chronicles • Software (Upasampadā: 24th June, 1979)
Re: Isnt it a Buddhist belief that so called Demons exist?
Hi ErvinErvin wrote:How does karma work in relation to so called Demons, Are they subject to it? And what does Buddhism say on how do Demons operate?
Demons are subconscious unwholesome thought processes and feelings.
When one identifies with these unwholesome thoughts and feelings, based on the causes and conditions, as a result a 'demon' born. This is karma work in relation to so called demons, which are subject to it.
Therefore Buddhism says it is important to not identify with thoughts and feelings.
- Khalil Bodhi
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Re: Isnt it a Buddhist belief that so called Demons exist?
This is one interpretation which has a more psychological feel to it but I believe the OP was asking about traditional Buddhist cosmology.nibbuti wrote:Hi ErvinErvin wrote:How does karma work in relation to so called Demons, Are they subject to it? And what does Buddhism say on how do Demons operate?
Demons are subconscious unwholesome thought processes and feelings.
When one identifies with these unwholesome thoughts and feelings, based on the causes and conditions, as a result a 'demon' born. This is karma work in relation to so called demons, which are subject to it.
Therefore Buddhism says it is important to not identify with thoughts and feelings.
To avoid all evil, to cultivate good, and to cleanse one's mind — this is the teaching of the Buddhas.
-Dhp. 183
The Stoic Buddhist: https://www.quora.com/q/dwxmcndlgmobmeu ... pOR2p0uAdH
My Practice Blog:
http://khalilbodhi.wordpress.com
-Dhp. 183
The Stoic Buddhist: https://www.quora.com/q/dwxmcndlgmobmeu ... pOR2p0uAdH
My Practice Blog:
http://khalilbodhi.wordpress.com
Re: Isnt it a Buddhist belief that so called Demons exist?
Thanks Khalil. You seem to want to distinguish between cosmology and psychology views.Khalil Bodhi wrote:This is one interpretation which has a more psychological feel to it but I believe the OP was asking about traditional Buddhist cosmology.
I think when cosmology and psychology are considered two seperate things, it is due to our understanding and vision not going very deep. Thus I see no reason to keep our understanding at a superficial level.
The Awakened One said:
Desito Aananda mayaa dhammo anantaram abaahiram katvaa. natth'Aananda Tathaagatassa dhammesu aacariyamutthi
"I have taught Dhamma, Ananda, making no 'inner' and 'outer': the Tathaagata has no 'teacher's fist' (in respect of the doctrines)." (Mahaparinibbana Sutta)
Re: Isnt it a Buddhist belief that so called Demons exist?
Hanzze wrote:
there are bings out of our normal apperception
A bold statement. What brings you to this conclusion?
Re: Isnt it a Buddhist belief that so called Demons exist?
More bold statements. How do you come to these conclusions? Is there a basis?Hanzze wrote:
No need to believe anything, but a little faith in ahead is somehow secure also in developing right view. Only your own experiance will make an end of doubt at least. So even if I would tell you it would not make sence.
Better to relay on what the Buddha taught, that is much more secure. If that is different, you need to find out your self at least.
Re: Isnt it a Buddhist belief that so called Demons exist?
I agree nibbuti - and they needn't necessarily be subconscious !nibbuti wrote:Demons are subconscious unwholesome thought processes and feelings.Ervin wrote:How does karma work in relation to so called Demons, Are they subject to it? And what does Buddhism say on how do Demons operate?
kind regards
Aloka
Re: Isnt it a Buddhist belief that so called Demons exist?
One basis is that what is delivered by the Buddha, Mr Man. Also included in the right view for example:Mr Man wrote:More bold statements. How do you come to these conclusions? Is there a basis?Hanzze wrote:
No need to believe anything, but a little faith in ahead is somehow secure also in developing right view. Only your own experiance will make an end of doubt at least. So even if I would tell you it would not make sence.
Better to relay on what the Buddha taught, that is much more secure. If that is different, you need to find out your self at least.
The other base next to intelectual understanding of right view is of coures self experiances at least."And how is right view the forerunner? One discerns wrong view as wrong view, and right view as right view. This is one's right view. And what is wrong view? 'There is nothing given, nothing offered, nothing sacrificed. There is no fruit or result of good or bad actions. There is no this world, no next world, no mother, no father, no spontaneously reborn beings; no brahmans or contemplatives who, faring rightly & practicing rightly, proclaim this world & the next after having directly known & realized it for themselves.' This is wrong view...
How ever, if one does not have experianced it is not wise to reject such things. It's the same with Nibbana or kamma. Of couse we can say, law of kamma is nonsens but that will just close a door.
So a "could be" attitude is always a good idea. Like kamma: if we do not remember and compare cause and effects, we will not see them. The more open and relaxed our attitude is and the lesser we clinge to views out of our ideas of reality the more possibility of understaning will arise.
Its a saddha - panna pendulum that makes it possible to grow. Sati will look for it, that it get not stick in the word of ideas.
What is subconscious Aloka? A conscious that has not be reached or is out of reach? Or a parallel conscious, which seems to be not well conform with Buddhas dep-co-arising. One after the other or?and they needn't necessarily be subconscious !
Not to much posts training: 1. Post/ 4.10. 8:18 am (accordiny messurement 6 posts the last 24h) current value: 7. post
Just that! *smile*
...We Buddhists must find the courage to leave our temples and enter the temples of human experience, temples that are filled with suffering. If we listen to Buddha, Christ, or Gandhi, we can do nothing else. The refugee camps, the prisons, the ghettos, and the battlefields will become our temples. We have so much work to do. ... Peace is Possible! Step by Step. - Samtach Preah Maha Ghosananda "Step by Step" http://www.ghosananda.org/bio_book.html
BUT! it is important to become a real Buddhist first. Like Punna did: Punna Sutta Nate sante baram sokham _()_
...We Buddhists must find the courage to leave our temples and enter the temples of human experience, temples that are filled with suffering. If we listen to Buddha, Christ, or Gandhi, we can do nothing else. The refugee camps, the prisons, the ghettos, and the battlefields will become our temples. We have so much work to do. ... Peace is Possible! Step by Step. - Samtach Preah Maha Ghosananda "Step by Step" http://www.ghosananda.org/bio_book.html
BUT! it is important to become a real Buddhist first. Like Punna did: Punna Sutta Nate sante baram sokham _()_
Re: Isnt it a Buddhist belief that so called Demons exist?
Perhaps you could learn somthing from this. Talking is one thing.Hanzze wrote:
So a "could be" attitude is always a good idea. Like kamma: if we do not remember and compare cause and effects, we will not see them. The more open and relaxed our attitude is and the lesser we clinge to views out of our ideas of reality the more possibility of understaning will arise.
Re: Isnt it a Buddhist belief that so called Demons exist?
If one sees demons or kind of feels that demons exist then because one has become conditioned to the idea "there are demons", "demons exist". "To become conditioned to" means "to accumulate the kamma". How does one accumulate kamma? How does one become conditioned to? Through conscious thinking in the affirmative which is identifying thinking as "I" and appropriating it as "mine"Ervin wrote:How does karma work in relation to so called Demons, Are they subject to it? And what does Buddhism say on how do Demons operate?
Thanks