Categories: Other Meditation Teachings
May the blessings of the Triple Gem be with you all!
Today, I wish to address a question that many of you who are walking this spiritual path have asked: “Venerable Sir, if we feel an influence from the unseen world, perhaps from a non-human entity (amanussa) or a being with wrong views (micchā diṭṭhika), how can we eliminate such influences? How can we establish a form of spiritual protection for ourselves?” This is a very valuable question, and it is a privilege to offer a response.
As you continue to develop your spirituality, especially those who have followed these teachings for some time, you may have already confirmed through your own experience that the path is not always smooth. For some, these experiences are very practical and real. Not everyone encounters interference from the unseen world, but for some, obstacles do arise.
For others, they do not. This often depends on the strength of an individual’s accumulated merits and wholesome actions, a concept known as puñña. It is a common truth that whenever we try to do something good, whether in our daily lives or on our spiritual journey, we often face more resistance. This is true in the world, and it is especially true in our inner, spiritual world.
The Cosmic Struggle: Māra’s Realm vs. Your Spiritual Goal
When we begin to cultivate our inner lives, particularly when we aim for liberation, Nibbāna, or develop deep states of calm and insight (Samatha–Vipassanā), hindrances are bound to appear. Consider this: on a planet with nearly eight billion people, how many truly feel the calling to develop their inner world? Out of more than 150 countries, with countless cultures, religions, and social divisions, only a small fraction of humanity actively pursues a spiritual path. This tendency is more pronounced in Asian countries, where the Buddha’s teachings have taken root, and where traditions of asceticism, like those of hermits in the Himalayas, still exist.
This small group of spiritually-minded people is so vital that their presence helps prevent greater destruction in the world. As we have discussed in previous teachings on the figure of Māra, this is why there is a struggle. Māra, the personification of the forces antagonistic to enlightenment, seeks to control the sensual realm (the kāma loka). He can easily gain power if spirituality is eliminated from the human world.
His method is to amplify sensual desires through modern technology and distractions, making people forget their spiritual potential. If people can be convinced that there is no rebirth after death, and that morality is irrelevant, Māra’s hold becomes absolute. He can then diminish the influence of righteous divine beings (devas) and seize total control over the six celestial realms and the human world.
Therefore, when someone tries to break free from Māra’s system by pursuing a spiritual path, he and his forces will try to create obstacles to pull that person back. This is why the Bodhisatta, on the verge of becoming the Buddha, was confronted by Māra’s vast army. Māra offered him worldly power, like a universal monarchy, and sent his daughters to stir up sensual desire. Some modern thinkers interpret this purely as a psychological battle, suggesting that Māra’s daughters were simply the Bodhisatta’s own lust.
While our minds do contain defilements like greed, hatred, and delusion (rāga, dosa, moha), we must understand that external, unseen forces also exist. These forces, which we call Māra’s agents, can and do provoke our inner defilements to stop our progress. They will try to amplify any weakness they find to make us stumble. This is why genuine spiritual protection is not a fantasy, but a necessity.
Adhiṭṭhāna: Your Shield of Resolute Determination
Given these realities, it is wise to establish a form of spiritual protection through a powerful act of will and intention. In Buddhism, this is called an Adhiṭṭhāna, which means a strong determination or resolution. This practice is suitable for everyone, regardless of your current level of spiritual development. Whether your ‘third eye’ is awakened and you can perceive these energies directly, or you are developing deep meditative states (jhānas), or you are just beginning, this method is for you.
Some people have a natural sensitivity and can feel whether a protective field is present around them, even without psychic vision. For others, the effects will become clear through the peace and stability in their practice. However, for this practice to be effective, two things are incredibly precious: your virtue (sīla) and your concentration (samādhi). The regular practices you already perform, such as paying homage, chanting, and meditation, are the foundation that gives power to your resolution. The core of this technique is the Adhiṭṭhāna itself.
How to Formulate and Activate Your Protective Resolution
This practice is universal; it transcends any religion, race, or background. If you are a person seeking to develop your inner self and you feel that you might be vulnerable to unseen hindrances, you can make this resolution. It’s important not to become fixated or fearful; obstacles may or may not come. Hold this possibility with a neutral mind.
To create your spiritual protection, find a quiet moment and make the following resolution in your heart. You can say these words or use your own, as long as they carry this intention:
- “By the infinite power of the sublime qualities of the Buddha, and by the power of all the innumerable Buddhas who have come before…”
- “By the power of my own virtue (sīla), which I have cultivated…” (Bring to mind your commitment to the Five Precepts or any higher precepts you observe).
- “By the power of my concentration (samādhi) and the peace of my meditative mind…”
- “By the power of my accumulated spiritual perfections (pāramitā) that I have been fulfilling on my path, whether it be towards Buddhahood, Pacceka-Buddhahood, or Arahantship…”
You can also invoke the power of sacred places and relics, such as:
- “By the power of the sacred relics of the Buddha enshrined at the great Ruwanwelisaya stupa…”
- “By the power of the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree…”
- “By the power of all the wholesome deeds and merits I have ever performed…”
Then, make the resolution: “If any unseen force, be it Māra or his agents, a non-human being, or a being with wrong views, tries to harm or obstruct my spiritual path, whether alone or as a group, may that effort be completely unsuccessful. May a shield of spiritual protection form around me, my home, and my meditation space. May I be safe.”
Repeat this determination two or three times with strong conviction. This act harnesses the power of your own mind (citta shakti) to create a protective field.
Strengthening and Maintaining Your Spiritual Shield
Once you make this resolution using the power of your mind, a protective field is established. For someone whose inner vision is open, this might appear as a distinct shield or aura of light. For those who are sensitive, you will simply feel a sense of safety and security. This is a practice that is effective for all.
You can even empower a physical object, like a traditional blessed thread (pirith nūla), with this same resolution. The strength and duration of this charged protection depend entirely on the purity of your own mind and conduct. The more consistently you live with virtue and practice mindfulness, the more potent your spiritual protection becomes.
Over time, as you repeat this resolution daily, it becomes incredibly powerful. Eventually, it becomes so integrated that a single thought is enough to activate this shield. This is the power of a trained and determined mind. By doing this, any hindrances that attempt to block your spiritual progress will be averted, allowing you to develop your inner peace and wisdom without interference.
Guidelines for an Unshakeable Practice
When formulating your resolution, remember these key points. Your power comes from within and from the highest refuges:
- Rely on your own spiritual qualities: Your strength comes from your sīla (virtue), samādhi (concentration), and accumulated good kamma (intentional action). This is your personal power.
- Do not invoke lesser beings: Do not call upon gods or other entities for protection. This practice is about self-reliance and taking refuge in the Triple Gem. Your foundation should be your own practice and the supreme qualities of the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha.
- Be consistent: Make this resolution a regular part of your daily practice. Consistency builds its strength.
Please understand that as you advance spiritually, some level of opposition is natural. It happens to varying degrees for different people. This is a method used by many, including monks meditating in the forest who face such challenges directly. That is why foundational practices like cultivating loving-kindness (Mettā) and chanting protective discourses (paritta) are taught from the beginning, they are essential tools for your journey.
Share this teaching with any spiritual friends (kalyāṇa-mitta) who may be facing their own obstacles. By understanding and applying this method, you can continue to develop your spiritual life with confidence and peace.
May the power of the Triple Gem, the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha, bless you. May you understand these teachings and progress smoothly on your spiritual path. May the blessings of the Triple Gem be with you all!
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!.
