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Those demons who were not hacked into
submission by the "Demon-Cutting Sword", were pulverized by the
swift and powerful blows of the "Demon-Pounding Pestle" which
followed. However, a small number of particularly elusive demons
have not yet been subdued. The time has come to restrain those
remaining foes of the good Dharma who wish to distort the true while
reaping profit from the false, Ahhh...the poor fools! They mistake
fish eyes for jewels, carelessly disregarding the real principles of
human life in this world. Now, they too must comply with just and
proper conduct.
Therefore, demons I...You are now tied up by
this "Demon-Binding Lariat", and not a single one can escape. No
longer can you sneak stealthily about. You are each confined in a
silent, secret demon-cell and the door is securely bolted so that
you may brood in solitude over your numerous errors and grave
offenses, so that you can slowly and carefully consider, "Should I
now forsake deception in favor of virtue?"
If you decide to set aside your demon-doings
and cultivate the proper path, I will certainly see to it that you
have a new life of happiness and success; but if after this time of
restriction, you don't decide to change, I'll leave you tied up in
this jail for five hundred great kalpas to further reflect on the
consequences of foolishness. Now...what do you think?
—Dharma Protector,
Bhiksu Heng Shou
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