Signed and dated 'Senaka Senanayake 1998' (lower left)
Many supernatural creatures populate Buddhist literature, but among these, Mara is unique. He is one of the earliest non-human characters to appear in Buddhist scriptures. He is a demon, sometimes referred to as an embodiment of Death, and plays a role in many stories that feature the Buddha and his monks. Mara is best known for his part in the Buddha's enlightenment.
This image shows The Buddha, serene and on the seat of meditation. Surrounding him are a fury of animals and human beings. To the extreme right approaches the dreaded Mara, on whose command the beasts and seductresses attempt to disrupt The Buddha’s meditation. While portraying this contrast between poise and pandemonium, the image features a range of colours that come together perfectly, each complimenting the other. The sense, perhaps, that is sought to be conveyed is the seamless ability of a meditative mind to dwell in chaos and yet remain above and untouched by it.