In the previous chapter, I discussed the ‘powers’ – specific aspects of the Abhidhamma that exert dominance over mental processes. Of particular interest are the powers of shamelessness and moral indifference, which can create a type of jhana manifesting as persistent ‘knots’ of awareness.
When ill-will (hatred, envy, etc.) forms the root of this shamelessness or moral indifference, demonic ‘beings’ are created within the mind. Initially, these are mere reflections whose only real power is to tempt. However, if ‘fed,’ these can manifest as separate aspects of awareness that directly manipulate the subjective reality of the one who possesses such ‘entities.’
These demonic beings trouble worldlings and the alchemist until the stage of albedo. Once albedo is reached, the bonds tying the alchemist to the sensory sphere are cut, and ‘normal’ temptation is easily overcome. The power of shamelessness and moral indifference no longer arises in the mind of the anagami.
The Subtle Attachments
Once the alchemist reaches albedo, only the subtle attachments to being remain:
- Desire to be
- Desire to not be
- Conceit
- Restlessness
- Delusion
Until these fetters are realized, the alchemist faces a new kind of delusory temptation based on these remaining ‘shards’ of self. These are enumerated into 50 types, each representing a specific challenge and pitfall facing the trainee. These demons (imaginary beings of temptation) arise as one’s habitual desire to identify becomes entangled with new concepts, leading one to believe they are suddenly godly or messianic.
Understanding the Demons
The Śūraṅgama Sūtra contains a list of these fifty demonic challenges in its appendix. These demons represent pitfalls that face a trainee as their comprehension of the path increases beyond their ability to mentally process it. This means you will only comprehend the demons you have faced and overcome. Even if I were to scour the sutra or find someone else’s list, you would only truly understand the demons you have already mastered.
Practical Guidance
Rather than any list, an attitude and mantra prove more helpful:
“Don’t identify with anything.”
You are far more likely to fall away from the path if you start to believe the stories your imagination tells you. There seems to be a natural tendency that immediately after any realization, your mind runs off with worldly applications, perhaps dreams of greatness and fame. Learning to recognize this as part of the process, along with recognizing Mara (which we will cover later), helps navigate these challenges.
Be kind to yourself when this happens, but also sober up your thinking and reapply yourself to the work. All you have to do is recognize it, and the threat passes.
Skandha demons, another name for this class of demon, remain a challenge to the disciple until the eighth bodhisattva stage. They are nothing more than concepts that can be tempting to consider.
The cost to the seeker who falls into temptation from one of these demons is significant. Weighty karma is a more significant predictor of rebirth, and all but the highest spiritual achievement can thwart karmic results.
Further Reading
- The Śūraṅgama Sūtra: A New Translation (Buddhist Text Translation Society)
- The Abhidhamma in Practice
- Albedo in Buddhist Alchemy
- Fifty Skandha-Māra States – youtube
The article “A New Kind of Demon” is based on a chapter from Dr. Simon Robinson’s illuminating work “Albedo” – the second volume in his groundbreaking series “A Course in Modern Alchemy.” This thoughtful exploration of Buddhist-alchemical concepts examines the nature of consciousness, spiritual development, and the challenges faced on the path to enlightenment.
In Albedo, Dr. Robinson masterfully weaves together ancient wisdom from Buddhist abhidhamma teachings with Western alchemical traditions, creating an accessible framework for understanding the subtle transformations of consciousness. The book is divided into four main sections – Mythos, Dharma, Object, and Subject – each approaching the alchemical work from different yet complementary angles. From the seven deadly sins to the nature of heavenly realms, from the mechanics of karma to the challenges of skandha demons, Albedo provides a comprehensive map for navigating the intermediate stages of spiritual development.
While this article offers valuable insights into dealing with spiritual challenges and demonic forces, the complete work contains essential context, detailed explanations, and practical guidance for serious practitioners. The hardcover edition includes carefully curated illustrations and detailed appendices that bring these profound concepts to life in ways that digital formats simply cannot capture.