Controlling can only be done if we identify correctly what the causes are of something. If we identify the causes incorrectly, no matter how much effort we apply or how long we apply our chosen solution, we will simply be banging our head against a brick wall. So if what we are doing is not working we need to reassess what the causes are of the effect we are seeking because we are obviously applying the wrong methods!
The reason why the Buddhas can control obstacles is because they fully understand the causes of them as well as their opponents. For example Prince Siddhartha understood that the people attacking him during his final moments of concentration under the Bodhi tree were not his enemies and when they understood that he saw them in this way they were subdued. Necessarily it is rare to meet someone who has that kind of love for you and if you fully understand you are in the presence of such a person the delusions that normally control you will temporarily subside. Indeed you will always go from planning to attack them to showering them with flowers.
We normally attribute obstacles to karma that is from a long time ago and ask somebody else to deal with it. We then think nothing more on the topic, and that the deity will do it all for us whilst we continue as before. If there is a fire in a shrine room do we sit down and pray asking this deity to avert it? No. What makes us put out the fire? It is the power of the Buddhas! So the Buddhas are doing it but we need to let them work through us. So it is us also who creates good and bad conditions as well as eliminates obstacles. So the question is, do we pass the buck or do we take responsibility saying, "I will work to protect the doctrine, arrange good conditions and remove unconducive conditions. I will identify the bad actions that lead to obstacles in communities and apply the four opponent powers. My regret, reliance, opponents and promise will be there for all to see".
Controlling and Eliminating the Cult Smear
Controlling - Excessive or Insufficient?
Internal Rules
