The ten armies of Mara signify the mental and emotional hindrances that prevent a person from making spiritual progress. These armies consist of negative tendencies such as desire (Kāma), dissatisfaction (Arati), fear (Bhīrū), doubt (Vicikicchā), and ego (Māna).
In Buddhism, Mara is symbolically depicted as a representation of the negative forces and obstacles that exist within the mind. When Lord Buddha was meditating under the Bodhi tree to attain enlightenment, Mara tried to distract him using his ten armies.
Lord Buddha overcame these inner enemies through meditation, self-awareness, and wisdom. Similarly, a practitioner can progress on the path to Nibbāna by recognizing and conquering these mental obstacles.
These ten armies of Mara are not only challenges in spiritual practice but also obstacles in everyday life. Therefore, understanding and defeating them is essential for personal growth and inner peace.
1. Kāma (Sensual Pleasures)
Mara’s first army is Kāma, which means craving for sensual pleasures like taste, smell, and physical touch, especially sexual desires. All five senses are involved in enjoying these pleasures, which are primarily experienced in the Deva realms, the human world, and the lower realms (Apāyas).
Some people, however, become dissatisfied with these worldly pleasures and seek higher mental bliss through meditation. They reach the Rupa Loka (form realms), where physical desires are absent. Others go even further to the Arupa Loka (formless realms), where only the mind exists.
Even though these states provide temporary peace, the desire for worldly pleasures often pulls people back into the cycle of rebirth. This craving, called Kāma Rāga, is considered the most powerful attachment. That’s why the Buddha placed Kāma Rāga at the top of Mara’s armies.
2. Arati (Disinterest in Nibbāna)
Arati refers to a lack of interest in Nibbāna. Some people, including certain Buddhists, fear Nibbāna because they mistakenly believe it means annihilation or the end of existence.
This fear arises from ignorance and wrong views. Many are unaware of what Nibbāna truly is — a state free from suffering. Since most people do not understand Nibbāna, it is natural that they don’t desire it.
3. Khuppipāsā (Thirst for Sensory Stimulation)
Khuppipāsā means an intense desire for sensory experiences. When the mind becomes fixated on sights, sounds, tastes, and other sensory pleasures, it becomes agitated and restless.
On the other hand, Nibbāna brings a calm and peaceful state of mind. The absence of this agitation is called Akuppa Cetovimutti, meaning an unshakable mental freedom.
4. Taṇhā (Craving Due to Greed, Anger, and Ignorance)
Taṇhā refers to the tendency to attach to things out of greed, anger, or ignorance. People perceive things as pleasant or unpleasant based on their distorted views.
Through wisdom and mindfulness, one can break free from these attachments and see things as they truly are.
5. Thinamiddha (Lethargy and Mental Dullness)
When people fail to understand Nibbāna, they often feel lethargic or bored. This is because they don’t experience the temporary pleasure of sensory gratification. Without these pleasures, the mind may become dull or even fall into depression.
However, those who get even a glimpse of Nibbāna through understanding the Dhamma naturally move away from sensory cravings and mental sluggishness.
6. Bhīrū/Bhaya (Fear of Death and Loss)
Bhīrū means fear — both fear of death and fear of losing sensual pleasures. Only an Arahant (fully enlightened being) is free from all fear.
For those who haven’t attained enlightenment, the fear of death is stronger, especially because they worry about the possibility of being reborn in lower realms (Apāyas). This fear diminishes as one progresses on the path to Nibbāna.
7. Vicikicca (Doubt)
Vicikicca refers to doubt about the Buddha’s teachings. Questions like “Is there rebirth?” or “Does kamma really lead to results?” can arise in the mind.
These doubts often discourage people from seeking Nibbāna. Understanding the teachings through personal experience and careful reflection helps reduce doubts.
8. Makkho Thambho (A Hardened Mind)
Makkho means erasing moral values, while Thambho refers to a rigid mind that refuses to learn.
Even people with good morals may have hardened minds if they reject the idea of rebirth or the teachings of the Buddha. A closed mind prevents spiritual growth.
9. Lābho, Siloko, Sakkāro, Micchāladdho Ca Yo Yaso (Seeking Wealth and Fame)
This refers to the desire for material wealth and social recognition. People often crave praise and admiration for their status and possessions, even if their success was achieved unethically.
Such desires reinforce attachment to the world and hinder spiritual progress.
10. Māna (Pride and Self-Importance)
Māna refers to pride and an inflated sense of self-worth. People who see themselves as superior often belittle others.
This attitude prevents the development of humility and compassion, both of which are essential for spiritual growth.
Conclusion
The ten armies of Mara symbolize the inner obstacles that prevent people from attaining Nibbāna. By understanding and overcoming these challenges through the practice of mindfulness, wisdom, and ethical conduct, one can progress toward enlightenment.
