CONQUEST OF MARA AND ATTAINMENT OF ENLIGHTENMENT
As the morning star shone in the light of dawn, the prince was determined not to leave the spot until he had conquered all evil forces and had found Perfect Enlightenment. The prince meditated under the Bodhi Tree, covered with grasses and leaves. Thus he entered into the last phases of meditation. It was a long, long search, day after day, and he was tormented in spirit and body by forces of lower human nature barring his way of Bodhi. The forces led by Mara, the Great Ensnarer, the Power of Illusion, led a fierce thrust at the prince and failed. Then came the beautiful daughters of Mara, daughters of devil, sent to entice the prince with their charm and beauty, but the prince was steadfast in his aim and refused to leave the seat of enlightenment, On the 49th day of February 7, he perceived the working of Twelve Ninclanas, the Twelve Link in the Chain of Existence, and in the same night, early in the morning he broke through the chain of source of Illusion, Avidya, and as the morning star shone in the light of the dawn he had gained the Supreme Light of Wisdom and attained Enlightenment. He was Buddha, the Supremely Awakened One.
It is said that at this time the earth quaked six times and the Gods of earth offered sweet flowers,and clouds hung across the heaven. The heavenly maidens offered beautiful music and made offerings of flowers in expressing their joy of this occasion. From this day the Pipala Tree has been called the Bodhi Tree or Tree of Enlightenment. The place of Enlightenment is called Buddhagaya. |
