Buddha answers Mara

Buddha Answers Mara
------------------------

Lord Buddha sat under the Bodhi tree,
Eyes closed,  as still as could be.
Body and face aglow was he,
Deep in meditation, one could see.

Night clad in dark clouds, hovered,
Dancing shadows, the sky covered,
Demon' Mara' rose from the realm of desire,
Ominous, potent, flames of fire.

Poisoned arrows he began to shower,
On Buddha they fell as perfumed flowers.
Dancing maidens writhing with lust,
Came and fled like the like the wind, a gust.

"Why do you labour? What can you see?
Who is your witness? Are you enlightened or worthy to be?"
                                                                                 mocked Mara .

Buddha half opened his eyes,
He answered Mara with words wise...

"Within me are the dark and light,
Looking deep, I gain insight.
You are nothing but an aspect of me,
Embedded in the human psyche,
I embrace you Mara, I am free!

My witness is the very earth,
Along with creation she was birthed

Desire it is that causes grief,
Steals your peace,a stealthy thief.
A balance if we strive to get,
With contentment life's needs will be met.

Capacity for awakening lies within,
Deep inside is where it begins.
Journey to the self starts with gentleness,
With understanding, with love, with great tenderness.
Realising we are interconnected in oneness,
We can share this compassion, this kindness.

The mind is then filled with equanimity, with bliss,
'Nirvana', 'Enlightenment' is nothing but this.
Each then is a' Buddha', the 'awakened' one,
Shining the inner light, the inner sun."