Battleground in the Mind

War fought in the mind is far more effective than the war fought on the battle ground.  Without spilling the blood the enemy is defeated in the war fought in the mind.  Gautama, before he became Buddha fought a ferocious battle in the mind against the enemy that was more powerful than any soldier on the battle ground.  Maara was Gautama’s enemy.  In fact, Maara is the enemy of all those who are on the righteous path.  Maara in the Buddhist’s tradition can be understood as Saitan. 

Maara, a non-form entity, has the army under his command such as sensual desire, hunger and cravings to name a few.We all allow Maara – thoughts and desires to colour our mood and control us.  By experience we know emotions are ephemeral, yet we still identify with them. 

When Gautama renounced the world and the passed through the city gates, Maara appeared before him and tempted him.  Gautama however did not pay any attention to him.  Gautama was sitting under the Bodhi Tree with a firm resolve to become the Buddha.  Maara summoned all his forces to attack Gautama.  The Devas (Purest thoughts) who were sitting around Gautama fled at the sight of Maara.  But Gautama’s strong (firmed) mind defeated Maara’s army and Maara himself had to plea. 

Before Maara fled he hurled his last weapon.  He tried to dissuade Gautama by claiming the seat Gautama was sitting as his own.  All Maara’s followers testified in favour of Maara.  Gautama asked the earth to speak for him by touching the ground with his middle figure.  The earth then roared in response and bore the testimony for Gautama.  Thus Gautama defeated Maara.  Devas celebrated the victory.

The Buddha was of course aware of desires but realised they were temporary appearances.  So, noticed a thought as soon as they arise and Remember……

There always stands Maara.