Since the beginning of time, all things in the universe have operated according to the law of duality: where there is light, there is darkness; where there is good, there is evil; where there is Buddha, there is Māra. What is Māra in Buddhism, and why does it coexist with Buddha? Is Māra purely an evil force and Buddha the ultimate salvation? Or are they simply parts of the universe’s operation, tools created by the Divine to guide sentient beings?
Understanding What Māra is in Buddhism Through the Yin-Yang Principle
To understand this, we must first examine the principle of Yin – Yang, the foundation of balance in all things.
Buddha and Māra from the Yin-Yang Principle
Yin-Yang and the Operation of the Universe
According to the Yin-Yang theory, when the Divine created heaven and earth, He formed the Taiji diagram (Tai Chi symbol). Within Taiji, there are two opposing forces: Yin and Yang, represented by black (Yin) and white (Yang). From these two forces, all things are created and developed.
If we observe the Taiji diagram, we notice that within the black (Yin) area, there is a small white dot, and within the white (Yang) area, there is a small black dot. This signifies that within Yang, there is Yin, and within Yin, there is Yang—nothing is purely absolute.
Before Buddhism emerged, people had already divided themselves into two extremes: Good and Evil. But what’s interesting is:
- Even in a good person, there exists a seed of evil.
- Even in an evil person, there remains a spark of kindness.
In Buddhism, this duality is reflected in the relationship between Buddha and Māra. Understanding what Māra is in Buddhism helps us recognize that neither Buddha nor Māra is absolute; they coexist to maintain balance in the universe.
The Nature of Buddha and Māra
What is Buddha?
Buddha (Sanskrit: Buddha) symbolizes:
- Wisdom (enlightenment) – the ability to perceive the true nature of all things.
- Goodness – guiding beings toward liberation from suffering.
- Compassion – unconditional love and salvation for all sentient beings.
Buddha is not a fixed entity but a state of consciousness. When our mind is clear, unclouded by ignorance, and filled with wisdom and compassion, we are Buddha.
What is Māra in Buddhism?
Māra (Māra) is not just an external force but also exists within each person. Māra represents:
- Ignorance – being blinded by illusions and failing to see the truth.
- Delusion – a restless mind, controlled by greed, hatred, and delusion.
- Unwholesomeness – actions that cause suffering to oneself and others.
Māra does not appear solely to bring suffering but also to create contrast, to test and challenge the human spirit. Without Māra, who would serve as the adversary for beings to practice love and compassion? Without Māra, how could spiritual practitioners prove their determination?
Why Do Buddha and Māra Coexist?
Here are three key reasons why the Divine created both Buddha and Māra:
(1) Duality Allows Beings to Experience Both Happiness and Suffering
Everything in the universe exists in opposing pairs to maintain balance. Just as light – dark, hot – cold, life – death exist, so too do Buddha and Māra as two sides of the same reality.
If only Buddha existed and not Māra, would sentient beings truly attain enlightenment? Without suffering, how could people appreciate happiness? Therefore, Māra exists to allow people to experience pain and hardship, which leads to awakening.
Each person must undergo the cycle of birth and death, enduring life’s trials to gain wisdom. These experiences prepare them for eternal liberation.
(2) Māra is a Means to Awaken Compassion
The Divine did not create Māra to destroy humanity but to teach them the lesson of love and empathy. Only through personal suffering can a person truly understand and sympathize with others.
For example, someone born into wealth may struggle to understand the suffering of the poor. But if they experience poverty and hardship, they will develop compassion for those in the same situation. Māra exists in this world so that people can learn to love others through adversity.
(3) Māra is a Test for Spiritual Practitioners
The line between righteousness and evil is incredibly thin. When a person cultivates a thought, they become that thought. Spiritual practitioners are no exception; they must constantly face Māra to prove their determination.
A well-known example is when Buddha faced Māra’s temptations under the Bodhi tree:
- As Buddha neared enlightenment, Māra appeared with various temptations and threats.
- Without Māra’s interference, Buddha wouldn’t have had the opportunity to demonstrate his wisdom and unwavering resolve.
Likewise, in daily life, when a person tries to do good, obstacles and challenges arise. If they persist and overcome them, they move closer to enlightenment.
Buddha or Māra – It All Comes from the Mind
Ultimately, Buddha and Māra are just temporary concepts, tools established by the Divine to guide sentient beings. There is no absolute Buddha or absolute Māra—everything depends on how our own mind operates.
- When our mind is clear, compassionate, and wise, we are Buddha.
- When our mind is controlled by greed, anger, and ignorance, we are Māra.
Life is a journey of choice. What will you choose to cultivate?
- If you choose wisdom and compassion, you walk the path of Buddha.
- If you choose ignorance, greed, and hatred, you follow the path of Māra.
Hold firmly to the right view, illuminate your wisdom, and spread compassion—that is the way to transcend Māra and become Buddha within yourself.
