Resisting the Demon Ghosts

In Buddhist tradition, the demons of desire are depicted as hungry ghosts—spiritual beings with enormous bodies but mouths the size of pinholes. They consume endlessly but are never full. They never have enough.

Yesterday, we reflected on the story of Adam and Eve and the temptation they faced. Here they were in paradise, and still, they were enticed by the idea of the fruit and all it represented. The serpent said, “You could have even more!”

Theologian Richard Rohr notes that yes, in life, we have mountains to climb. There are goals to reach, boundaries to push. But we must not pursue these at the expense of our souls—at the cost of our integrity, our relationships, or our peace. Even in seasons of ambition and energy, there are limits to what is healthy and good.

When we live fixated on what we don’t have, we can fall into a deep discontent.

Maybe to resist grasping for the next fruit is to resist the hungry demon ghosts. And maybe resisting becomes easier when we cultivate deep appreciation for the blessings we do have—blessings that surround us even now.

Will you pray with me? Gracious God, we so easily become anxious and grasping, taking more than we give. Give us eyes to see and hearts to appreciate the goodness and beauty around us—right here, right now. Help us not to miss the life unfolding before us in this moment. And as we do, may we be filled with your peace. Through Jesus Christ. Amen.