Question: Why is it that some say mindfulness of Buddha works for protection when having supernatural disturbances, while some it does not work?
Answer: The answer is simple, as presented in the verses below.
净缘偈
Verses On Pure Affinity
撞鬼骂粗言，嗔心造恶业。与鬼结恶缘，鬼心亦可嗔。
When encountering a ghost, scolding with coarse words,
this with the angry mind creates evil karma.
With the ghost forming evil affinity,
the ghost’s mind likewise can become angry.
不如念弥陀，护己结净缘。以信诚念佛，必得佛佑护。
This is not as good as being mindful of Āmítuófó,
to protect oneself and form pure affinity.
With Faith sincerely mindful of the Buddha,
definitely attains the Buddha’s blessings for protection.
若念无感应，是己信未诚。不可乱谤佛，胡说不灵验。
If with mindfulness but without connection for response,
this is with oneself’s Faith yet to be sincere.
One must not irresponsibly slander the Buddha,
by nonsensically saying he is not efficacious.
欲生更多信，须诚学与念。有疑速请教，诚信必能生。
If desiring to give rise to even more Faith,
there must be sincere learning and mindfulness.
When having doubts quickly requesting teachings,
sincere Faith definitely will be able to arise.
