Spiritual pilgrims: Obstacles ahead

(CHƯỚNG NGẠI CỦA NGƯỜI TU LÂU by chinhphong on Thu Oct 07, 2010 1:35 pm, translated by Devoted_HM, edited by Horangi)

Many mystics embark on their spiritual journey with sincerity and humility, driven by a desire to serve their religion and fulfill the will of the divine. In response, the Spirits support them and bestow mystical powers to aid their mission. However, as these practitioners perform miracles, gain recognition, and amass followers, their initial purity of heart often diminishes. Arrogance and a thirst for fame and wealth replace their humility, leading them to believe that their mystical powers are solely the result of their meditation practices rather than gifts from the Deities. Consequently, they begin to exploit these powers for personal gain.

Since then, the Spirits have gradually withdrawn divine powers as a warning to those straying from the right path. However, despite this warning, those consumed by greed and sin disregard the consequences. Bereft of divine support, they continue to deceive others, boasting of their powers and exploiting religion, morality, and virtues without teaching ethical principles. Instead, they promise fame and fortune through Fengshui, teach charms and spells, and elaborate altar rituals, all driven by their desire for money and fame. In their pursuit of greed, they deviate further from true religion, becoming nothing more than fraudulent magicians. The longer they engage in these deceitful practices, the harsher the divine punishment awaiting them.

Indeed, we’ve witnessed firsthand the downfall of dishonest shamans, charlatans, and magicians who exploit supernatural powers for personal gain. Many are plagued by demonic possession, mental instability, or find themselves ensnared in embarrassing or dire circumstances. Some spiral into poverty and lifelong struggles, while others meet tragic ends, as highlighted in the teachings of the Old Guru regarding the consequences of abusing mystical practices.

It is crucial to emphasize that mystical powers are bestowed to aid practitioners in serving the divine will. However, when devotees stray from righteousness and misuse these powers to deceive others under the guise of divine intervention, they are bound to face failure and downfall.

An illustrative example of the futility of exploiting mystical powers is the CIA’s canceled project, Star Gate. Motivated by reports of individuals displaying supernatural abilities, the CIA sought to harness these powers for national security purposes. However, the project ultimately proved ineffective and was terminated, as noted in the teachings of “the Third Eye”.

The prevalence of deception by con artists and magicians stems from the inherent greed of individuals. Many people covet blessings and prosperity without putting in the necessary effort to cultivate goodness. Instead, they seek quick fixes and shortcuts, flocking to purportedly skilled magicians in hopes of obtaining blessings at a bargain price through spells or charms.

According to metaphysical principles, enlightenment is attainable through the cultivation of the dharma. Blessings are earned through the cultivation of good behavior and the accumulation of merits; they cannot be obtained through begging or sharing someone else’s blessings. It is illogical to expect significant assistance from individuals who are poorer and have more karma than ourselves. Such individuals lack the blessings necessary to bestow good luck, alter fate, establish altars and pray for us, or impart valuable dharma teachings.

It’s important to understand that setting up an altar, whether it’s a traditional altar or a mirror altar, is something anyone can do if they wish to create a serene and sacred space for their prayers. However, it’s crucial not to misunderstand that the person setting up the altar knows the correct way to bring forth blessings, or that a fancy and elaborate altar will necessarily bring more blessings.

Ultimately, having faith in Heaven and the Buddha means cultivating our hearts and characters, serving the Way of Heaven to accumulate merits, and praying directly to Heaven and the Deities. Regardless of whether we have an altar, sincere prayers, and righteous actions will attract blessings. Therefore, it’s not necessary to rely solely on external symbols or rituals for spiritual connection and blessings.

Lastly, spiritual matters are not a profit-making business whether it is conducted in private homes, pagodas, or churches… Buying and selling amulets, and talismans is a swindle (in other words it is the unauthorized buying and selling of the deities’ powers); for the buyers, it is just like they have spent their money on quick cures; and for the sellers calamities will certainly befall them.

(revised 2/23/24)