Seven Weeks to Enlightenment - Week One, Victory Over Mara

The Buddha is said to have taken 7 weeks to become fully Enlightened, weeks which he spent meditating and reflecting under and around the Bodhi Tree. 

In this series we're joining the Buddha as he moves from his initial Awakening towards full and perfect Enlightenment. In doing so we'll meet a whole array of archetypal symbols which are represented in historical and semi-historical incidents. These symbols are not to be taken literally. They are not literally true but like all myth, they contain deep truths which can help us in our own lives.

This week Shakyapada relates the story of the Buddha's Awakening on the full moon night of May, 2500 years ago and introduces Mara, a mythical figure who represents everything that holds us back - our shadow side - and the Earth Goddess who ultimately helps break the last fetter which was binding Gautama to mundane existence. Together we will explore the imagery of this profound archetypal story and see how the symbolism of Mara and the Earth Goddess can help us too to transform.

All over 18 welcome. Newcomers are also very welcome too.

No need to book, just turn up.

The evening is freely given but we would very much appreciate a donation of £8-£12, or whatever you can give, to help cover our costs. York Buddhist Centre depends for its existence almost entirely on donations from those who use it. No one is paid at YBC. Please support us if you can.
 

There is a very interesting talk by Sangharakshita on the imagery and symbolism of this episode and others in the Buddha's life. It is called Archetypal Symbolism in the Biography of the Buddha and you can find it here: https://www.freebuddhistaudio.com/audio/details?num=43