लक्षयेज्ज्ञानविज्ञानवाक्चेष्टाबलपौरुषम् । पुरुषेऽपौरुषं यत्र तत्र भूतग्रहं वदेत् ॥ १ ॥
Wherever one observes a non-human manifestation in a person's general knowledge (Jnana), specialized knowledge (Vijnana), speech (Vak), physical activities (Cheshta), strength (Bala), and valor (Paurusha), that condition should be designated as possession by a Bhuta-Graha (spirit).
भूतस्य रूपप्रकृतिभाषागत्यादिचेष्टितैः । यस्यानुकारं कुरुते तेनाविष्टं तमादिशेत् ॥ २ ॥
Whichever entity's appearance (Rupa), temperament (Prakriti), language (Bhasha), gait (Gati), and actions a person imitates, they should be declared as possessed by that specific entity.
सोऽष्टादशविधो देवदानवादिविभेदतः । हेतुस्तदनुषक्तौ तु सद्यः पूर्वकृतोऽथवा ॥ ३ ॥
These Bhutas are classified into eighteen types, beginning with Devas (gods) and Danavas (demons). The cause for this affliction is a willful intellectual transgression (Prajnaparadha), committed either in the present life or a past one,
प्रज्ञापराधः सुतरां तेन कामादिजन्मना । लुप्तधर्मव्रताचारः पूज्यानप्यतिवर्तते ॥ ४ ॥
born from overwhelming desires (Kama) and similar impulses. Due to this, the individual abandons righteousness (Dharma), vows (Vrata), and proper conduct (Achara), and goes so far as to disrespect those who are worthy of reverence.
तं तथा भिन्नमर्यादं पापमात्मोपघातिनम् । देवादयोऽप्यनुघ्नन्ति ग्रहाश्छिद्रप्रहारिणः ॥ ५ ॥
When a person has thus breached the boundaries of proper conduct, become sinful, and acts as a self-destroyer, the Grahas—including those of Deva origin—strike at their vulnerabilities (Chidra) and torment or destroy them.