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Among the Buddha’s many followers was a very simple-minded Bikkhu. This Bikkhu had the habit of questioning others incessantly on matters he wished to know about. One day, he asked the Buddha: “Venerable Buddha, please explain what is known as a ‘demon’?"
The Buddha replied that anything that can bring destruction and disturb the peace and unsettle the minds of men is known as a “demon”.
Ignorance gives birth to demons in the minds
“What kind of destruction and disturbance does one have to cause for one to be termed a demon?” asked the Bikkhu.
“Anything that causes unrest in the country or that causes chaos in society and hinders people from living peaceful lives, anything that breaks up a family and causes panic, an afflicted mind that seeks to destroy the positive and beautiful life’s goals of others—all these are the manifestations of a demon. When one’s mind entertains ignorance and selfish desire, the order of things in this world and the lives of people will be disrupted,” said the Buddha.
Despite the Buddha’s explanation, the Bikkhu could not comprehend what he meant.
“Venerable Buddha, why must we worry about unrest in society and chaos in human minds?” persisted the Bikkhu.
The Buddha explained that bliss and chaos in people’s lives are stark contrasts. When there is chaos, people cannot live safe and stable lives, so peace and harmony cannot arise. If we wish for happiness for humanity, we must subdue disruptive elements that destroy peace. And only then can we achieve liberation from spiritual cultivation.
Hearing that, the Bikkhu was even more puzzled, “Venerable Buddha, why must we achieve liberation? What is the state of liberation like?”
“Liberation is the goal of spiritual cultivation. If we do not subdue our afflictions and get rid of greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance and doubt, our hearts will always be shrouded in darkness, and we will not be able to discern matters and principles. Then, we will be forever buried in our afflictions and not be able to attain liberation. The state of liberation is eternally clear, bright, still and peaceful. This is also known as Nirvana!”
Once again, the Bikkhu raised another question without further contemplation of what he had just heard: “Venerable Buddha, why must we attain Nirvana, the state of eternal light and peace?”
With patience, the Buddha replied, “Oh Bikkhu! You should contemplate and sort out your thoughts before asking questions. The goal of cultivation is to ensure that we watch over our speech and actions, that we do not disturb the peace in our society and country, cause conflict to arise between people or hurt the hearts of others. At the same time, we must anchor our own hearts in inner peace, then we will not be hurt by others. Those who can do all these are wise people. If we can do so, we will naturally have clear and liberated minds that are bright and calm. This is the state of Nirvana.”
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