遠離邪命非法 -- 《阿含經》裡釋迦牟尼佛對出家眾所示占相、咒術的態度 -- 兼論他對神通的看法="Distance yourselves from the false and from that which runs counter to the Dharma": Sakyamuni's Instructions to the Monastic Order Concerning Fortune-telling and Spells as reflected in the Agamas-also including a discussion of Sakyamuni's position concerning supernormal powers.
Sakyamuni's instructions in the Agamas to the monastic order concerning fortune-telling and spells can be summarized in the expressions "false" (hsieh- ming) and "counter to the Dharma" (fei-fa). "False" here is defined as the use of inappropriate means to support oneself materially; "counter to the Dharma" refers to actions incompatible with the Eight-fold Path and the achievement of liberation. The Buddha preached that supernormal powers naturally occur in the process of self-discipline undertaken by an adept cultivating himself in order to attain Nirvana. If, however, one attempts to attain supernormal powers for the sake of personal wealth or profit, or if, on attaining supernormal powers, one uses them in order to gain personal wealth or profit, such activities, the author argues, would also have been labeled "false" and "counter to the Dharma".
This article cites examples illustrating that fortune-telling and spells as well as non-Buddhist supernormal powers cannot resolve the pressing problems of "birth, old-age, sickness and death", and are useless for achieving liberation from affliction. On observing the true nature of existence, Sakyamuni emphasized the realization of the Twelve-fold Chain of Causation and the Four Noble Truths as a means to liberation. This is also a distinguishing characteristic of the group of bhiksus he led. Thus, Sakyamuni's position on fortune-telling, spells, and supernormal powers was intended to enable his audience, in a word of delusion and absurdity, to extricate themselves from the anguish of human existence.
