Spot The Mara

Spot The Mara


I recall once an ex-student of mine who proudly related an account about her young teenage daughter to the class.

Her young daughter, 12 years of age then, met with my student's boss.

When the young girl saw that the boss was being chauffeured, she asked,

"How come my mother has to drive her own car, while you are being chauffeured?"

At that, the boss replied,

"That's because I'm the boss!"

Hearing that, the girl in her growing up years said,

"When I grow up, I also want to be boss."


Now, compare this with the following -

What The Buddha said to His Order of Bhikkhus

When they spoke in awe about the reverence and respect that The Buddha received from the devas, nagas, Brahmas, and humans alike -

How each group tried to outdo each other in paying homage to The Buddha :

"O Bhikkhus, such a wonderful manner of making obeisance to me is NOT attributable to my glories as a Buddha .....

It's attributed to the beneficial results which I, as a Bodhisatta, accrue, due to the good I've done in past existence."


Looking at the 2 replies,

Who do you think will benefit the recipient/s more?

Who, do you think truly cares for them, and is for their long-term welfare and benefit?

Who do you think understand and correctly expound on the cause and effects/results of things?

Who is exhibiting/showing the virtues of true humility, and the benefits of doing good?

Who is encouraging conceit, vanity, laziness and sensual indulgence?

And, last but NOT least,

Who, do you think, is the Mara here?




"If by giving up a lesser happiness,

One may behold a greater one,

Let The Wise Man give up the lesser happiness

In consideration of the greater happiness."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 290




"Dig up the roots of craving

Just as one who wishes to have the fragrant root digs up the birana grass.

Don't let Mara destroy you again and again.

As the flood destroys the reed."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 337




"I seek after NOTHING.

For what is the use of seeking anything

When I have everything within myself?"

- Venerable Ajahn Mun




"(But) for ignorant minds,

Vanity and self-delusion always do them a world of harm.

Their greatness lies in body, birth, name, rank or self-importance .....

This is why there is so much trouble and turmoil everywhere."

- Venerable Ajahn Mun




* * * Read

1) 'What Do These ALL Mean? - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2007/03/what-do-these-all-mean.html

2) 'Kamma Kamma Part 2' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2010/04/kamma-kamma-part-2-lucky.html