The Legendary Rivalry of Hashirama and Madara: Unveiling the Mythology in Naruto

Highlights

Hashirama Senju, a character in Naruto, is based on Buddha and represents the pursuit of enlightenment and peace in the series.

Madara Uchiha, a character from the Naruto series, draws inspiration from Mara, a figure in Buddhist mythology, embodying the themes of allure and trickery.

The ongoing conflict between Hashirama and Madara illustrates the inherent contradiction within human beings, as well as the eternal clash between the pursuit of enlightenment and the enticement of temptation.

Author Masashi Kishimoto expertly incorporates elements of Eastern mythologies into his works, with Naruto serving as a prime example of this. Drawing inspiration from Buddhism and Shintoism, the series features numerous characters that are rooted in these religious traditions. From the Tailed Beasts to the concept of Chakra itself, almost every aspect of the anime can be traced back to Eastern religions and mythologies.

The two most prominent characters in the series, Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha, are no exception. Based on significant figures in Buddhist belief, their characters embody the teachings and ideals propagated by Buddha and Mara. Given their importance within the Naruto universe, it is unsurprising that these two characters reflect the beliefs and principles of Buddhism.

Hashirama – the Enlightened One

Hashirama Senju embodies the essence of Buddha, spreading the teachings of love, compassion, and enlightenment to attain a higher state of being. Like Buddha, he believed that one must transcend the harsh realities of existence to reach enlightenment. His teachings resonated with many, earning him the reputation of a savior. However, Hashirama remained humble and devoted to guiding humanity towards enlightenment and fostering peace.

In the series, Hashirama's role mirrors that of Buddha, as he too overcame hatred and worldly desires. Although he successfully brought temporary peace to the lands, he faced challenges in maintaining harmony among the Five Great Nations and even within his own nation. This struggle echoes Buddha's inability to save all of humanity from ignorance and temptation, despite attaining enlightenment.

Madara – the Propagator of Illusion

: Hashirama's skills and abilities draw inspiration from Buddhist mythology. One of his techniques, the Wood Style: Laughing Buddha Jutsu, pays homage to Budai, a revered figure in Buddhism across Vietnam, Korea, and Japan. Budai's joyful disposition earned him the nickname of the Laughing Buddha, a name that continues to be associated with him today. Additionally, Hashirama's Sage Art Wood Release: True Several Thousand Hands technique is influenced by Avalokitasvara, a compassionate Bodhisattva on the path to Buddhahood. The reference to a thousand hands illuminates Avalokitasvara's dedication to liberating all individuals from the enticements of the worldly existence and displays his willingness to assist those in need.

In Buddhist cosmology, Mara is seen as the embodiment of all the opposing forces to enlightenment. Essentially, Mara obstructs humans from attaining enlightenment by diverting their focus towards worldly pleasures and desires. Although Mara is generally recognized as any opposing force to illumination, some Buddhist sects perceive Mara as an actual being. This entity sought to distract the Buddha from his path to enlightenment by employing his own three daughters, symbolizing thirst, greed, and dissatisfaction.

Madara Uchiha's desire to trap humans in an eternal genjutsu mirrors Mara's plan of ensnaring them in the never-ending cycle of life through irresistible temptations. Both Madara and Mara were despised and feared by people, and both resorted to manipulation and deceit to gather followers because they lacked a true understanding of compassion.

Despite Mara's ambitious attempts to usurp Buddha's influence, he could never replicate the profound impact Buddha had on his devotees. Similarly, Madara tried to acquire Hashirama's powers, but he failed to take his place or even come close to defeating him. These two characters share numerous similarities, but their ultimate goal remains the same - to immerse humanity in a state of everlasting joy, controlled by their own desires and allurements.

Madara and Hashirama – Two Sides of Enlightenment

Buddha and Mara can be seen both as physical entities and as guiding paths. By following the path of Buddha, one can attain enlightenment, but can also succumb to Mara's temptations. Even Buddha himself could have been led astray. Some forms of Buddhism suggest that Mara ultimately converted and became a Buddha, leaving behind his worldly desires.

The power struggle between Hashirama and Madara parallels the relationship between Buddha and Mara. At one point, Madara also embraced the path of enlightenment, but was ultimately swayed away from it. Despite their differences, Buddha did not consider Mara an enemy, just as Hashirama always extended a hand for Madara to join the right path. It is important to note that neither side was inherently good or evil; they simply held opposing beliefs on how humans should live their lives. This reflects the concepts of the Will of Fire and the Curse of Hatred, which seek to maintain peace among mankind, with one ultimately prevailing in the end.

Naruto is available to stream on Crunchyroll.