Date: 10/25/2025 10/26/2025
Location: Star River Meditation Center
Teacher: Yunquan Huang
Dharma Talk
The Demon Who Fled in Fright
Thus have I heard:
At one time, near the outskirts of Śrāvastī, there was a desolate and forsaken place. In that place dwelt a demon, skilled in transformations, who often wrought mischief and harmed many who passed by.
Once, a merchant from afar, bearing much spice to sell in Śrāvastī, came near the city at dusk. The fields lay empty, with only tall grass and scattered trees swaying in the wind.
The merchant, wearied and hungry, placed his bundle beneath a tree and took food to eat. As he ate, the demon, drawn by the fragrance of spice, transformed into a white vapor, and entered with the food into the merchant’s belly. The merchant knew nothing of it.
Soon after, as he walked again, his stomach rumbled and pain arose, as if something were moving within. Unable to endure, he cast aside his bundle and rolled upon the ground in agony. Then the demon slipped out from his mouth in the form of smoke, seized the bundle, and fled. Thus the merchant, tormented and robbed, lost both peace and wealth.
Because of such deeds, few dared pass that way, and the place grew ever more dreadful and desolate.
At another time, the venerable Mahāmaudgalyāyana, a foremost disciple of the Blessed One, was returning at dusk from a monastery thirty leagues from Śrāvastī. As he passed by that place, he felt a chill and hastened his steps.
The demon, lurking there, sprang forth and, turning to smoke, entered the elder’s body through his nostrils. Yet Maudgalyāyana, intent upon his journey, gave no heed. Soon, his belly rumbled like thunder. He sat down calmly in the grass, entered deep composure, and discerned the demon within.
He spoke aloud:
“Come forth, O demon! Know that I am a disciple of the Blessed One. You cannot harm me. Depart at once, lest by my power I cast you into hell!”
The demon, thinking these words mere threat, continued his mischief within.
Then Maudgalyāyana declared again:
“Come forth, O demon! I am Maudgalyāyana, foremost in spiritual power among the disciples of the Buddha!”
Hearing this name, the demon was stricken with fear, for he knew the elder’s might. Hastily he fled out as smoke from the elder’s mouth, and, kneeling upon the ground, begged forgiveness.
The venerable one forgave him, and admonished:
“Trouble not travelers again.”
The demon bowed in assent, then fled away. From that time forth, he ceased his mischief, and people once more passed freely through that place.
