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Mara



(Sanskrit मार, literally "hindrance, slaughter, killing," In Buddhism, a negative influence that creates obstacles to spiritual elevation. While such influences exist externally, they can only influence us by using the negative qualities that are within us, such as pride, anger, lust, etc. Thus, when our ego is completely destroyed, there is nothing within us that can be tempted.

  1. The name of the "demon" who tempted the Buddha during the final stages of his awakening. The same symbol as Satan (literally "the adversary") who tempts Jesus, Job, etc.

  2. Four types of evil influences:

a. our own ego or aggregates - self-produced psychological elements

b. negative emotions (vibrations of the ego) - desire, anger, jealousy, envy, etc.

c. "deva's son": sensual desires and temptations

d. the bringer of death - ordinary death which comes mechanically and inopportunely