The “Earth witness” is one of the most recognizable icons of Buddhist art, a depiction of the moment of enlightenment.
As Siddhartha Gautama sat meditating under a bodhi tree, Mara—the lord of deception, terror, and fear—determined to distract and interrupt Siddhartha’s path toward enlightenment. Mara sent his daughters to seduce the young man away from his meditation. When that failed, he sent an army of attacking monsters. Still Siddhartha sat unmoved, in prayer with his open palms on his lap.
The infuriated demon pulled rank. “I am immortal!” Mara shouted. Why should Siddhartha, a mere man, be granted the seat of enlightenment? Mara himself was more deserving of it, and his army agreed. “I am his witness!” they bellowed in unison. Smugly, Mara demanded of Siddhartha, “Who will speak for you?”
Finally Siddhartha stirred. He reached out with his right hand and lightly touched the ground. The Earth itself exclaimed, “I bear you witness!” At that moment, Siddhartha attained enlightenment, becoming the historical Buddha.
