In this present age, many of the fourfold assembly of disciples are truly blessed. You have the Buddha right before your eyes, and you receive the Buddha’s teachings and guidance at every moment. Yet, despite this immense fortune, many of you remain as if you have not seen the Buddha at all. This is truly a great pity. As your teacher, I am compelled to speak these stern words to you, for your own benefit and for the sake of your liberation.
The reason I must speak so directly is that the collective practice of the assembly is currently obstructed. You are like those who are deaf, blind, or lost in a deep, dreamlike state, unable to realise the necessity of true awakening. You are currently in a state where you require the compassionate intervention of Practitioner Su, who uses the method of the 'Stick and Shout' to strike the physical body.
The Necessity of the Stick and Shout
Why must this method be employed? It is because Practitioner Su has opened his spiritual eyes and can clearly perceive that the bodies of these children are being interfered with and controlled by spiritual attachments and demon crowds. When a practitioner is under such influence, their behaviour is no longer their own. They are being manipulated, leading them to violate the and commit transgressions that will inevitably result in the suffering of the hells.
If the 'Stick and Shout' were not used, it would be nearly impossible to force these malevolent spirits to leave . Because Practitioner Su possesses the necessary merits, virtues, and profound moral conduct, his use of this method is effective in driving away these attached spirits and demon crowds. This fact may seem inconceivable to those who have not yet understood the deeper truths of the . If you are someone who does not yet understand, you might wonder: 'Why does Practitioner Su act in this way? What has happened?'
in Action
You must understand that this is an act of great compassion, performed solely to save beings. We have tried to counsel you with gentle words and kind advice. We have spoken to you in every way possible, yet for many, these words have been ineffective. You continue to follow your own ways, failing to awaken, while we watch as demon crowds interfere within your very bodies, causing you to repeat your mistakes and remain in a state of confusion. Because of this, there is no other choice but to act in this manner.
The 'Stick and Shout' is not a new invention; it is a method that the patriarchs and venerable masters of the past also employed during their time in this world. It is a technique used specifically when a practitioner has been taken over by other beings or demon crowds. Its purpose is to assist the practitioner in awakening, to force the attached spirits or demons to depart, and to help the one who has been possessed to regain their own clarity.
The Path to Lasting Transformation
However, you must realise that the most important aspect of this process is the changing of the "self," personal ego, and selfishness. If you do not address the root cause, then the spiritual attachments or demonic interference will simply occur again. The interference will continue to repeat itself until you truly change from within.
Within our bodhimanda, the teacher is able to perform this 'Stick and Shout' to call out and stop the interference of these beings. While the teacher is present, he can assist you; it is a practical and effective method. I sincerely hope that all of you can awaken and stop remaining in this deep slumber. Do not let this precious opportunity for liberation pass you by.
