The life of Lord Buddha

Pranams at the lotus feet of Lord Buddha!

Chapter – 15

Buddha was in deep meditation under a tree, there arrived  Vasavathi Mara and several warriors/hosts of deceivers with various weapons on the elephant’s back. All these years Mara was keenly observing every progress of Siddhartha and took all efforts to hinder him from the path of enlightenment.   Mara felt if he did not stop Siddhartha from advancement, he will not have any hold on him.  He decided to destroy Buddha and put an end to his path of Dharma.  The power of Bodhisaththvas's spiritual qualities and goodness accumulated, and protected Siddhartha like invisible armor, he was firm and peaceful, unshaken by fear.  The warriors showered arrows and various weapons upon Siddhartha, but none of the weapon could do any harm.  Vasavathi Mara could not tolerate his failures; he was frustrated seeing the supernatural power of Siddhartha.  Mara used all the techniques to move Siddhartha from his seat, Siddhartha said “ Oh! King of deceivers, listen to me carefully, the seat occupied by me was the fruit of my hard work  and good actions of previous births.” Mara rebuked and said, “Who is the witness of the ownership of your seat?”  Soon there appeared Dharani, the Mother of Earth saying “I am the witness of the ownership of the enlightenment of Buddha.” She spoke “ Siddhartha has attained all that merits by his pious deeds in the past, even the water he has poured on the ground with dedication, that soaked up my bunch of hair and stays healthy.  I am more than enough to bear the witness of his virtues.”  Dharani exposed her long and healthy hair, it created huge commotion on the Earth and all those warriors and Vasavathi Mara disappeared in that turbulence.  It was Siddhartha’s firm mind and perseverance elevated him as an enlightened one.