Shakyamuni Buddha and Mara Buryatia. Ground Mineral Pigment on Cotton. 1800s.
In the moments leading up to his enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, the Buddha was attacked by the armies of Mara. The armies came wielding many weaponsā bows, arrows, tridents, and swords. However, as they approached the sitting Siddhartha, their armaments were transformed into flowers, which then showered him like offerings.













