Adhyathmika Bhikshun
126
June 24, 202311 minutes read

Do not Make Predictions about Diyasena or Nature!

A Theravada Buddhist monk offers guidance on navigating the trend of spiritual prophecy. Discover why practical living, moral conduct, and self-inquiry are more powerful than waiting for a predicted future. This article explores the Buddhist perspective on discernment and finding balance in an age of constant predictions.

Categories: Other Meditation Teachings

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May the blessings of the Triple Gem be with you all!

Through our spiritual channel, many who are exploring the spiritual life have reached out with a question, one you see reflected in the title of this article. This is a topic that has been brought to my attention by various people for a long time, and I felt it was important to offer a shared understanding.

Before we begin, I must state clearly: I am not a predictor of the future. I do not make prophecies. The reason for this is simple,I am not a prophet, and my focus is firmly on what is practical. I am addressing this topic only because the question was posed, and I believe a general clarification can be helpful for everyone.

To be honest, this is not a subject I enjoy discussing, as it feels out of place with the practical spiritual work we are doing. However, because several people are raising this question, I feel a sense of responsibility to provide some clarity that can benefit both those who asked and others who may be curious.

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Understanding How Prophecies Emerge in the Modern World

I have noticed, on YouTube and other platforms, a rise in individuals making predictions, particularly about a figure known as ‘Diyasena’. You have likely seen these discussions. As a result of this constant stream of spiritual prophecy, many people have started living with a certain expectation for the future, anticipating the arrival of such a figure. There is nothing inherently wrong with living with hope for the future.

However, I see that this message has been circulating for a long time on YouTube and Facebook. It seems that those who were meant to receive this message have already done so. There is little need for anyone new to take it up. So, how does this process typically unfold? Often, the person delivering the message, the prophet, claims to receive it through a specific medium, like an ‘Anjanam’ (a form of scrying or divination), or from an unseen force that speaks to them.

Some say they receive messages through various spiritual channels. They explain that these communications come from beings on an unseen plane who choose a human to deliver their messages. This is a real phenomenon; such things do happen.

That person then might collaborate with a popular YouTube channel for an interview, where they make their pronouncements. Through this, the person gains a degree of fame, and sometimes, a path to earn money is established. For some, it might not be about money, but fame is almost always a result. This is how the situation evolves.

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The Trap of Craving (Tanha): When a Message Becomes a Business

Let’s imagine this person starts receiving money. They might then think, ‘I need to say more about this.’ A kind of craving begins to arise in their mind regarding the topic. In Buddhism, we call this powerful force Tanha. Tanha is not just desire; it’s a deep-seated thirst or craving that drives us. This craving fuels their interest and passion for talking more about the spiritual prophecy.

Perhaps the unseen world only had a few messages to deliver to our country or to those who believe,maybe less than ten essential messages. Only those vital communications needed to be shared. The people who believe in them would then interpret and adapt those messages as they see fit.

But even as people are trying to make sense of it, the prophet, now driven by this craving, continues to speak. Sometimes they may no longer be receiving genuine messages, but they continue anyway. We see a pattern where they become deeply entangled in this role, making it their profession. This is what happens.

I understand that whether speaking of ‘Diyasena’ or of natural disasters, the initial intention is often to help or save a group of people. The person delivering the message undoubtedly has a love for their country, nation, and religion. However, even though we are born in a human realm, sometimes the latent tendencies from our past lives have not yet surfaced. After coming into this world and interacting with society, we can develop certain flaws.

We acquire a thirst for worldly things, it could be money or some other secular goal. Gradually, this Tanha grows, and their actions become dictated by it. As a result, we have seen many people, both lay and ordained, making endless prophecies on YouTube. It has reached a point where some are predicting everything down to the details of Diyasena’s undergarments. They present it as the absolute truth. This is the level it has fallen to. Why does this happen? I ask you to reflect on this yourselves.

A Guide to Self-Inquiry for Those Who Predict the Future

Please, think about a few things honestly. For those of you who have followed these prophecies, and for those who make them, I offer these points not as criticism, but as a guide for reflection.

  • Of the hundreds of predictions made, how many actually came true? Be truly honest with yourself. How many events happened exactly as foretold? Try to assess this clearly. This will help you understand the ratio of hits to misses.
  • Next, I ask those who make prophecies to look inward. Were you established in good moral conduct, what we call Sila? Did you have sensual intentions, like a desire to attract women, or if you are a woman, to attract handsome men and form relationships?
  • Were you motivated by a desire for fame, financial gain, or attracting followers? Were these worldly goals present in your mind?
  • Were you truly protected by your virtue, your Sila? Reflect on this and arrive at a definite conclusion.
  • Be certain about the source of your messages. Is it a deva (a celestial being), a Mara (a tempter), an amanussha (a non-human spirit)? Who exactly is it? Was the being who gave you messages at the beginning the same one who gave you messages later? Or did the source change? Did the messages come through divination, directly into your mind, or as a whisper in your ear? Was it the same entity each time?
  • Have you ever actually seen this being from the unseen world? Think about it: even if the initial messages were true, did the nature of the information change over time? Did the being start speaking in a different way?


Please reflect on these things. I am not scolding or finding fault with anyone who shares a spiritual prophecy. That is not how you should take this. If you wish, you can take this, too, as a message.

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The Tsunami is Coming Tomorrow: How to Live Today

After reflecting, do not become discouraged. I am not trying to demoralize our people or cause a mental breakdown. However, I am not fond of the way this constant talk of spiritual prophecy is used to frighten people. I do not like seeing people made to live in fear.

My philosophy, my theory, is this: If a tsunami is coming tomorrow, we must still work today. The tsunami is tomorrow. If it is scheduled to arrive at 8 a.m., then tonight, we should eat and drink well and be happy. We should live our spiritual lives. If we must evacuate at midnight to escape, then we will do so at that time. My approach is practical. We must work until the very last moment.

My theory is that we must live with awareness of all these possibilities. I am not criticizing those who have made prophecies all this time. They were genuinely trying to help you. The problem is, they have gone too far. They have overstepped. That is what I am addressing. Do not let this overstepping happen.

If you do, it is you who will be destroyed first. By ‘destroyed,’ I mean you will be taught a lesson. A lesson will be taught, you will be brought back to your senses, and you will be pulled back to your original state. If you cannot be corrected, you will be utterly disgraced and shamed. So, those who make prophecies need to understand that this aspect also exists.

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The Middle Path: Navigating Hope and Skepticism

Now, do not get discouraged and think, ‘This means a spiritual era is not coming,’ or ‘That means this Diyasena figure will not appear.’ Do not jump to that conclusion. I am speaking from a place of neutrality. If he comes, he will come. That’s not a problem, is it? He will arrive when it is time.

But consider for a moment: what will happen to you if he does not come? Think about that as well. You know about the beautiful world that is said to emerge if he comes. But also reflect on what will happen if he doesn’t. Remain in a neutral place, understanding that it could happen or it could not happen. We call this a state of balance or equanimity, in Pali, Madhyasthathawaya. In this world, unexpected things can happen at any time.

There are some who dismiss all of this as mythology. To them, I say: in this world, unexpected reversals have always happened. Look at it from a scientific perspective, or study world history. No empire has ever remained in power forever. Research these topics, read about them, and investigate.

Then you will understand. Therefore, you do not need to stand on the belief that ‘Diyasena is coming,’ nor on the belief that ‘Diyasena is not coming.’ Be neutral. I say this to the prophets and to everyone else: be neutral.

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The Foundation of a Balanced Life: Virtue and Practice

Establish yourself in morality (Sila). Establish yourself in concentration (Samadhi). Become spiritual. Engage in this path practically. Teach others a practical path of training, especially through meditation. Do not be a person who lives solely for money or chases after sensual and worldly goals.

Avoid falling to that level. I am not making accusations, but rather saying that if such weaknesses exist, you should correct them. Engage in your work from this corrected place. Then, your efforts will become more and more successful.

So, for the general public, whether you believe in these things or not, the advice is the same: until the very last moment, eat, drink, be happy, uphold your moral precepts, develop your concentration and meditation, and do your work. Take care of your children, teach, do everything. Do it all until the end.

However, remain mindful of the warnings the prophets have given. A natural disaster could happen at any time. Because you have this awareness, you can quickly escape the danger. At the same time, be aware of what will happen if such an event does not occur. Because you have awareness of that possibility too, you will have the ability to face that outcome as well.

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Could Silence Be the True Catalyst for Change?

There is one more thing I wish to share, something significant I have seen through my own spiritual journey. Instead of making more prophecies, enough has been said for a long time, there is no need to overdo it, what if there was silence? If the prophets and those who speak of these things helped to create a period of quiet, allowing the environment to be still for a while, I believe a transformation could occur. Such things would have a space to happen. Please, think about this. Consider whether what I am saying is true or false.

Reflect on this and do not turn the sharing of messages into a business. Live righteously, teach people practical things, help elevate their state of mind, and assist them in developing both their worldly and spiritual lives. This is a great merit, a great wholesomeness (Kusala), for those who share such messages. Please proceed in this way.

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Your Path, Your Future: A Call to Practical Spirituality

I hope this provides a comprehensive answer. As I said at the beginning, please do not ask me about this again, not about Diyasena, not about natural disasters. I do not give any spiritual prophecy. We can see these things if we look, but I am not a prophet. What I have taught you are practical meditation methods through which you can see the future of your country and your world for yourselves. So, develop these skills and see for yourself. I will not be speaking on these matters. Please understand this and act accordingly.

I will now conclude these remarks on this subject.

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We invite you to walk this path with us. Read our teachings, and most importantly, apply them practically in your own life. as you practice, questions will naturally arise. Please feel free to share your experiences and questions in the comments below, via email or contact form. I will do my best to offer guidance in future talks based on your progress. For now, begin this practice with an open heart and a mind free from expectation. Cultivate it correctly, and may you find the clarity and peace you seek.

Thank you for joining us. We hope this blog will be of great benefit to your spiritual journey.

May you all be well and happy.
May the blessings of the Triple Gem be with you all!

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