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TE A CHINGS | E E AS TERN HORIZ ON 5 3
TEACHINGS | EASTERN HORIZON 533
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Geshe Dadul: Generally, pure science is in a position Min Wei: Buddhism does not deny the existence of good
of disproving any unfounded claim and not so much in and evil spirits. One cannot deny the existence of such
proving anything definite. That said, even in this capacity, spirits just because one is unable to see them with his or
it has its own limitations in terms of its dependence on her naked eyes. These spirits are also subjected to birth
observability and measurability, and that too via the and death. They are not going to stay permanently in the
means of physical instruments and devices. Besides, spirit form. They too exist in the same world where we live.
it insists on repeatability and falsifiability, which are,
no doubt, very valuable in establishing the verity of As in Tibet, Buddhist miracle workers like
its findings. However, all the above can constitute Padmasambhava forcefully tamed the demons and
constraints on its scope and approach and, thus, on the turned them into dharma protectors and fierce
thoroughness of its comprehension. On top of that, we guardians of the new faith of Buddhism. In fact, we
all know of the intricate complexity of variables and might say that in the understanding of Buddhism, there
variabilities. In short, let me say this: modern science really is no such thing as ‘demons.’
has not provided any direct evidence for them as of now,
nor has it disproven them. However, the scientific fact of Geshe Dadul: Definitely! Being a good dharma
multiple dimensions of experience and exposures allude practitioner is not necessarily affected by whether or
to this possibility. Remember, Acharya Dharmakirti says not one believes in these beings. Exercise restraint
in his Pramāñavartika that “not seeing something does over one’s dissonant mental states, both emotional
not render it non-existent.” and cognitive, and, if possible, additionally train in
the cultivation of positive mental states in our regular
Is it possible for Buddhists to remain good Dharma interaction with fellow sentient beings. This constitutes
practitioners if they choose not to believe in such a good dharma practice, irrespective, and, in the
unseen beings? meantime, try to bring up this practice at par with the

level of one’s sensibility, sensitivity, and openness in
Aggacitta: Of course they can try, until they have personal terms of what is factual and what is potentially possible.
encounters with unseen beings that are impactful,
traumatic or compelling—then they may be driven to Written by Geshe Dadul Namgyal, and edited by Martha
believe even if intellectually they remain sceptical. Leslie Baker.

Abbreviations
Pāli Text English Title Referencing
AN Aṅguttara Nikāya The Numerical Discourses of the Buddha Book no. : Sutta no.
DN Dīgha Nikāya The Long Discourses of the Buddha Sutta no.
KN Khuddaka Nikāya The Miscellaneous Discourses of the Buddha Book no. : Sutta no.
MN Majjhima Nikāya The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha Sutta no.
SN Saṁyutta Nikāya The Connected Discourses of the Buddha Saṁyutta no. : Sutta no.
Sn Sutta Nipāta An Ancient Collection of the Buddha’s Discourses Chapter no. : Sutta no.
Ud Udāna Inspired / Exalted Utterances Chapter no. : Sutta no.

Venerable Geshe Dadul Ven. Ming Wei is a teacher of
Āyasmā Namgyal e-learning at the International
Aggacitta is the is a Geshe Buddhist College (IBC) and
founder of the Lharampa and an independent translator of
Sāsanārakkha senior resident Buddhism. EH
Buddhist teacher at
Sanctuary (SBS) in Taiping, Perak, Drepung Loseling Monastery in
a Pāli scholar and a meditation Atlanta, Georgia, USA
teacher.