The Defeat of Mara

Inspired by the traditional Thai mural depicting the Buddha’s triumph over Mara, this narrative has long served as a metaphor for overcoming obstacles through inner virtue. In the classic scene, Lord Buddha sits calmly under the Bodhi tree, calling the earth to witness his enlightenment as Mara’s demonic army—fierce, armed, and led by the thousand-armed Mara on his elephant Girimekhala—attacks in vain. The Earth Goddess rises, flooding the demons, symbolizing nature’s support for truth.

This story is also the basis of the Bahum Chant, where Mara represents internal and external forces that lead one astray. Each of the eight verses describes a different triumph of the Buddha—not through violence, but through virtues like generosity, tolerance, wisdom, and peacefulness. In modern life, Mara may appear in the form of pressure, power, or corruption, and Dhamma becomes the tool for resistance.

Contemporary Thai artist Thawan Duchanee reimagines this legend in his powerful painting. With the serene face of the Buddha at its center, the piece juxtaposes peace and chaos. The Buddha, in gold and red, is surrounded by dark mythological beasts symbolizing Mara—tigers with wings, two-headed birds, and serpents. Yet, through the glittering gold and the Buddha’s peaceful gaze, the painting emphasizes that true power lies in stillness and virtue.

This work received its world premiere at the Thailand International Composition Festival 2017, conducted by Dr. Thanapol Setabrahmana.