How to Guard Against Mara's Disturbances

The more crucial the stage of spiritual practice, the more interference from demonic forces; the more sublime the attainment, the greater the demonic obstruction. Conversely, practices in insignificant areas attract no demonic interference. Therefore, the more essential the Dharma you cultivate, the deeper the practice, the more cautious and meticulous you must be. Especially for those drawn to supernatural powers, demons may grant such powers, leading to control and enslavement by demonic forces, unable to escape their grasp.

The Shurangama Mantra serves as a protective talisman. It must be recited frequently; memorizing it is even better, rendering demons powerless against you. If all Buddhist practitioners could chant and memorize the Shurangama Mantra, the Demon King would withdraw from the Saha world, the Buddha Dharma would endure, and the Shurangama Sutra would never perish.