(Continued from issue #289)
Instructional talk given by Venerable Master Hua
(6) The Dharma Realm of Asuras
Asuras have a violent nature;
They have blessings, but no power.
With a strong passion for fighting,
They bob along in karma’s tow.
Asura is a Sanskrit word which means “unattractive” or “ugly.” Male asuras are extremely ugly and love to fight with others. Female asuras are extremely beautiful, but they love to wage mental wars using jealousy, obstructiveness, ignorance and afflictions.
Although asuras themselves are categorized under one Dharma Realm, their presence are identified in the other Dharma Realms. Being combative, with huge tempers, domineering but unwilling to take orders from others, controlling but refused to be controlled by others…, are all known as manifestations of asuras.
Asuras amongst people can be good or bad. Members of the national army, soldiers and generals are the good asuras. Bandits, thieves and robbers are the bad asuras. In general, those who steal other people’s things, seize others’ belongings, like to beat people, like to kill people, are all called asuras.
Asuras in the heavens wage war with the heavenly troops. From morning to night, they hope to overthrow Lord Shakra and seize the jeweled throne. But they are defeated every time. Why? Although they have the blessings of gods, they are devoid of power. That’s why they are defeated every time they waged war with the heavenly troops.
Asuras amongst animals like to bully other animals. For example, wolves, tigers, and lions, wish to devour other animals because they have the asura nature. Likewise, snakes and eagles are also asuras.
Asuras amongst ghosts bully other ghosts. There are good ghosts and evil ghosts. The evil ghosts refuse to listen to reason. Basically, ghosts generally cannot be reasoned with, but the evil ghosts are the most unreasonable among the unreasonable.
Asuras have a violent nature. They are extremely violent by nature. They have blessings, but no power. They have heavenly blessings, but they do not have power in the heavens. They fight for power and gain, but fail to get them. With a strong passion for fighting. They just love to fight. Now, let’s take a look at this world; it’s a world full of asuras. All these people talk about is fighting, fighting, fighting. People are fighting for this and fighting for that. You knock me over, and I knock you down. They bob along in karma’s tow. They are dragged by the forces of their own karma into their karmic destinies. Therefore, cultivators must avoid fighting at all costs. Don’t be so belligerent and eager to fight. Don’t have an explosive temper. This way, you won’t be associated with asuras.
In general, asuras refuse to listen to reason. They constantly lose their temper at everyone. If we take a closer look, we will find asuras in five out of the nine Dharma Realms. In the Dharma Realm of animals, there are asuras among the fowls and the beasts. Crocodiles are asuras in the aquatic world. There are also asuras amongst horses. In a herd of horses, they are known as the trouble-makers. They are also known as “the horse that harms the herd.” Bulls have the nature of asuras. Dogs are even more asura-like. People who love raising dogs and spend a lot of time with dogs may also develop asura natures. Therefore, be careful! Don’t run off to join the asuras.
(To be continued …)