Master Qingliang Yue: Some people are afraid of being possessed by the Devil. One thing we must know is that we are all currently devils. There are only two states of mind: fundamental and derivative. We and devils all live in the derivative state of mind, so we are no different from devils. Unless we return to the state of Rulai Zang (Tathāgatagarbha), we could never avoid being possessed. We simply move from one devilish state to another. There is not such a thing that we move from the state of Buddha into the state of devils. So, without proper methods, we only move from one devilish state into another. We consider this state as devilish simply because it is different from a state which is commonly possessed by ordinary people and so regarded as healthy. For example, sleep is a disease that we all have. We all take for granted that we need to sleep. Those who do not sleep are considered to be sick. Another example. We are in logical thinking all the time. Those who could kill their thoughts are thought to be unusual. Therefore, do not worry about being possessed. We are actually living in different devilish states.

Master Qingliang Yue: A vegetarian diet is basically taken for the cultivation of compassion. Besides, meat diet can easily lead to drowsiness. This is because all animals are in lower states in which they often have a delusive mind. When we eat their body, the matter which corresponds to their distracted mind, we naturally come to a state of distraction. This kind of distraction will block the travel of Qi in meridians and change our body, making us feel drowsy constantly. Therefore, on the whole, a vegetarian diet is better. On the one hand, it cultivates great compassion, and on the other hand, it is good for Qi in the body. Vegetarian Diet Master Qingliang Yue: Before we reach the level of Samadhi (or subconscious concentration), whatever thing we eat, whether it is vegetables, or meats, or other things, will surely affect our body, however not after we reach this level. In other words, as kinds of matter in this world, they could only exert influence on the objects in this world. For those who are in Samadhi, they are of no use. Why do we take up meat after a period of vegetarian diet? Living in the current state of mind, all the animals are not human beings in our eyes and it is ok for us to eat their meat. But we will change our mind when we reach a higher level of empirical practice, in which we understand what animals are talking, discussing, and quarrelling about, knowing they are not different from human beings. So, at proper…

Having been in contact with many Buddhists for a long time, we find that everyone is curious about supernatural powers. They want to know whether we could demonstrate supernatural powers or predict what will happen in the next few days. Regarding this point, I have to say, the display of supernatural powers is not suitable for the propagation of Dharma. What we really need is the study of principles and the progress of empirical research. Only when we thoroughly understand these principles, knowing these principles can explain everything in the world, we could naturally build up faith in the practice of Buddhism. As we keep doing empirical researches, we gain all kinds of benefits, such as feeling the sense of happiness, curing our physical and mental illnesses, and even improving our life. Then, we could really experience the true value of Buddhism. And what is supernatural power? Supernatural powers belong to others, not yours. When other people show magical power, those who do not believe it will say they are playing magic tricks, fooling people, and doing something superstitious. People in contemporary society are more incredulous of these powers, saying that there must be some gimmicks, or that they have made inquiries in advance, or that it is mere coincidence. So demonstrating supernatural power is not of any use. If one doesn’t believe it, he can find any reason for his suspicion. For example, if an ordinary-looking person says that he has achieved Samadhi (or subconscious concentration), we might doubt why he still looks so ordinary. For a well-dressed and…