Mara's Illusions and Upagupta: A Buddhism's Short Story

The religion of Buddha has a rich tradition of short stories, including myths and stories of Buddhism, that offer profound lessons on life, mindfulness, and the journey toward enlightenment. Among these, the story of Saint Upagupta and the shapeshifting Maras has its worth and teaches us a profound realization of wisdom and illusion.

The story starts in the ancient city of Mathura, where the great saint Upagupta was preaching about Buddhism. "He is considered the fourth patriarch of the community, after Kashyapa, Ananda, and Vanavasin." Saint Upagupta was delivering several weeks of essential teachings to monks, nuns, and laypeople. Everything was going smoothly. Upagupta shared his wisdom every afternoon under a clear sky until he realized that the number of people attending his teachings was decreasing daily. 

Only a few dedicated monks, nuns, and laypeople left one day. Upagupta decided to investigate. After searching for a while, some miles away from his teaching site, he arrived at a bustling bazaar. There, he found a huge crowd gathered, making a lot of noise as if attending a mini modern-day concert. Slowly, he went closer and realized that some shapeshifters had transformed into beautiful actors and actresses. They were performing a grand show, attracting all his students.

Who Are the Maras in Buddhism?

Upagupta devised a clever plan to deal with them. At the end of the performance, he approached the shapeshifters. He congratulated them, offering them garlands as a reward for their performance. However, as soon as the garlands touched their necks, they turned into rotting corpses of animals, revealing the shapeshifters' the Maras. "In Buddhism, "Maras symbolize obstacles and temptations on the path to enlightenment. Often referred to as the 'evil ones,' 'they aim to distract practitioners from their spiritual goals. This particular Mara Buddhism Story showcases their cunning ability to exploit human vulnerabilities." Let's continue our Buddhism Short Stories of Mara, but it will be more of a dialogue from now onwards.

Upagupta, spiritually powerful, trapped the Maras in a zone they could not escape. The Maras begged him to release them.

"I will let you go, but you have to promise me never to come here and interrupt my teachings again," said Upagupta. "

"Okay, okay! "Let us go; we will never come here and disrupt your session," "Maras pleaded.

Upagupta thought momentarily and said, "I was not fortunate enough to meet Lord Shakyamuni Buddha. Since you are masters of transforming into other forms, grant me this last wish, and I will let you go."

The Irritated leader of the Maras replied, "Fine, but under one condition. Do not lose your composure or forget who we truly are. Do not bow to us or ask for blessings."

Upagupta agreed, saying, "I know you are the masters of shapeshifting, but I won't fall for the trick. I promise not to ask for blessings or prostrate at your feet."

The leader "of the Maras sneered, "Very well, then. Let us begin. Give us a moment to prepare."

The Spiritual Test of Saint Upagupta

After some time, the Mara group appeared as Lord Shakyamuni Buddha and his Sangha. Their transformation was so perfect that Upagupta and the entire crowd were amazed. The shapeshifters were so convincing that, even though everyone knew they were Maras, no one doubted the presence of the Buddha.

Overcome by the beauty and power of the illusion, Upagupta forgot his promise. He prostrated himself before the figure of Buddha and asked for blessings. Immediately, the Maras reverted to their actual forms, grotesque and mocking.

"I warned you not to confuse us with Shakyamuni or ask for blessings!" the leader of the Maras shouted angrily. "You broke your promise! From now on, I will return to disturb you and this place whenever I wish."

With that, the Maras vanished, leaving Upagupta and the crowd in mixed emotions—amazed by the spectacle they had witnessed but regretful of their inability to remain steadfast.

This story is one of many Myths and Stories of Buddhism that use symbolism to convey profound truths. The shapeshifting Maras represent the illusions of the mind, and Upagupta reflects the universal human battle with ego and desire.

Lessons from This Mara Buddhism Story

The Mara Buddhism Story reminds us that the path to enlightenment requires constant mindfulness, humility, and discernment, even for the most advanced practitioners. It highlights the power of illusion and the importance of seeing through it to the truth. Ultimately, it is a lesson in balancing aspiration with awareness and how even failure can be a stepping stone toward greater wisdom. 

Did you enjoy this myth and story of Buddhism? Share your thoughts below!