Our thoughts are often egoistical. Ripples that disturb still waters. A still mind has no judgement or desire. It is at peace. Mara tried to prevent Buddha from enlightenment with temptations of egoistical physical desires, the Buddha’s final test. Buddha defeated Mara with one touch of his finger on the earth beneath him as he sat still under the Bodhi tree. This painting is a metaphor for ego death. It also reflects the image of the Pieta, (Mary holding Jesus, the physical form of the trinity). Jesus died for the sins of “man” symbolizing ego death as well. The water represents cleansing rebirth and release. A baptism of sorts.