[VXHLrsO1]

I'd like to add that I personally see Buddha as a bit more than a doctor (although there's nothing wrong with the analogy). His teachings are unique in the world. For me he is a liberator, one who turns our face towards freedom. His teachings are the only refuge for one who seeks liberation.

In the suttas, Mara tells him that there is no realm, no place which is beyond his reach and it can certainly seem that this is true. How long would a person need to search in order to find the true teachings of the Buddha? What obstructions and diversions does a person have to see through in order to get even close to them? And how many times are we not quite ready for the Buddha's teachings, even when we have them to hand?

For me personally, I find all religions and philosophies to be Mara's bait. They are like a last appeal to 'us' not to take that extra step and to remain within a 'comfort zone' which can be comprehend and accepted by others around us. And who doesn't want that?

Buddha found that there was an escape beyond. He opened that door for us.

namaste