―Helpful Tips from the Movie “The Real Exorcist”―
Written by Mia Tomikawa
 
Do you ever feel down or get irritated for no particular reason? We may not always be able to clearly explain why we feel the way we do because, whether we are aware or not, we are constantly affected by spiritual influences in our daily lives. If those influences are negative, they may jeopardize our relationships with others, negatively impact our work, and possibly lead to serious consequences.
 
But what exactly are “negative spiritual influences”? They are invisible beings ―spirits, souls, or energies― often called “ghosts” or “evil spirits”. Although these beings used to be human like us, they no longer have physical bodies. 
 
The movie, “The Real Exorcist,” dramatizes the realities of the invisible spirits that reside among us. A female ghost standing at a crosswalk; a male ghost standing near a railroad crossing; a lost spirit of a high school girl crying in the corner of a school bathroom; a deceased doctor upset because his family ignores him… They are all “stray spirits” who can’t return to the otherworld because they have unsolved issues or obsessions in the physical world. 
 
We often unintentionally attract these lost spirits. The mind works like an electromagnet and can attract spirits that have the same wavelengths as the ones transmitted by our mind. We are prone to attract negative spirits if we ourselves are transmitting negative wavelengths, i.e., destructive emotions, thoughts, and feelings. Tomoka, the lost spirit of the high school girl in “The Real Exorcist”, is drawn to Lisa, who is distraught by the results of her exam. When Tomoka hears Lisa think, “I’d be better off dead,” she feels empathy towards Lisa and approaches her, while completely unaware that she is already dead. 
 
Then, there are more vicious spirits who are aware that they are dead. They are so full of vengeful thoughts that they try to cause harm to people living in this world. In “The Real Exorcist”, they are depicted as ghosts of five Japanese Samurai soldiers who try to scare the residents of an apartment built on their graves out of their home.
 
When you are aware that you are under the attack of evil spirits, you need to let them know the mistake they are making and how wrong their behavior is. It’s important not to give in to these spirits. Instead, take the courage to make them realize their mistake. It is an act of love to teach them how wrong it is to torment and delude people living on Earth.
 
In “The Real Exorcist”, the main character, Sayuri, shows us how we should handle these spirits. Sayuri uses her supernatural powers when she discovers that five earth-bound spirits are haunting an apartment with the ill intention to frighten the residents. She binds them into a mirror and reveals who they are, ancient Samurai soldiers. “You were mortified at your defeat in battle. You’re consumed with anger, so you stayed here and are venting your frustration on these people,” Sayuri sternly tells them, “We will not give in to your threats. We all die someday. We may die suddenly while still having regrets, so everyone needs to reflect on their life and get ready for the next life.” She then guides these spirits by giving them a chance to reflect on their deeds. “Staying in this world and making innocent people suffer is the worst a soul can do. You will be ghosts forever. Your family must be waiting for you in the other world. God, too, is hoping that you will move on.” Sayuri expels these ghosts with the power of enlightenment. 
 
But what about those of us who don’t have supernatural powers or a high level of enlightenment to repel negative spirits? As Sayuri demonstrates in the movie, there are three simple practices anyone can do to protect themselves from negative spiritual influences: 
 
1. Have faith in God
 
A truly wonderful world begins when we have faith in God and Heaven. Knowing that there is always an existence that watches over us, protects us, and guides us can give comfort and security as we navigate life’s difficulties. If our mind is filled with doubts and disbelief, we are prone to attract spirits who don’t believe in God or the existence of the other world. To protect ourselves from negative spiritual influences, we need to connect ourselves to God, which we can do by studying the teachings of the Truth, meditating and praying.
 
2. Give love to others
 
When we love someone, we often think about what we can get from that person. But real love is about giving selflessly, with pure intentions and without expecting anything in return. A simple act of love, such as the offer of a smile, can really make a difference. When you give love, you transmit warm, kind, and compassionate wavelengths that will protect you from negative spirits with dark, cold, or malevolent wavelengths.
 
3. Have a grateful heart 
 
As Sayuri explains, “Evil spirits never feel gratitude. All they have are grievances.” So, to distance yourself from these spirits, we need to appreciate what we are given. When we live with a grateful heart, we can discover many blessings in life. We will be able to radiate light from within and will no longer be a victim of negative spiritual influences.
 
In the movie “The Real Exorcist” you will find lots of helpful and inspiring hints that will help you avoid negative spiritual influences. Find out how you can protect yourself, fight off evil spirits, and help those who are having a spiritual crisis.