마라(Mara)의 악몽 -불교 경전에서 마라의 역설적 해석을 중심으로- = Nightmare of Mara -Focusing on Paradoxical Interpretation of Mara in the Buddhist Scripture-

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

As the greatness of Buddha is recognized, the demonic characteristic of Mara is generally recognized. In the traditional Buddhist scripture, the relationship between Buddha and Mara is described clearly. This paper will include legends and stories on Mara. Everything with demonic characteristics is with excess and cruelty. The hidden and aggressive demonic qualities of Mara described in the Buddhist scripture are different from the corresponding demonic characters of other religions. The conversation between Buddha and Mara described in the Scripture is respectful, kind to each other. And the excessive quality of Mara is not clearly shown. Episodes where the relationship between devils and humans are explained in Buddhist Scripture allows to us to think different interpretations on their relationship. Contrasted with Buddha, Mara plays a role as a dark shadow. In Buddhist Scripture, as images and symbols, Mara means temptation, interference or death. These meanings are sometimes displayed or hidden by the relationship with Buddha. This paper aims at interpreting Mara`s common images by a different approach, which sees Mara not as ugly or horrible being but as a part of humans. According to Buddhist Scripture, humans are not the absolute or complete prisoner of Mara, but Mara is a part of humans. Mara is involved in human affairs more extensively than we think it is, and is deeply intertwined with human minds. This means that humans are beings which can do the goodness and evil as beings of free will. Humans can be liberated from Mara`s temptation if they want to and if they do not try, they can be trapped by Mara`s demonic intention. Mara satisfactorily reveals its existence in a common way. I think the existence of Mara is essential for Buddha or his followers to complete their religious practices.