Siddharta sat under the Bodaiju tree, and resolved: "I won't leave this place until I attain Buddha's enlightenment."
From this time on, several threatening
demons including the temptation of lusty women and the desire for secular
benefit became evil monsters in Siddharta's mind. They assaulted him and tried
to overcome his resolve. However, Siddharta's endurance and spirit were as
sturdy as a mountain, as deep as an ocean. He resisted them. Finally, at dawn
on December 8th, when he saw the morning star, he achieved the highest level of
enlightenment. Prince Siddharta was 35 years old. The true image of the three
worlds, the past, present and future, and ten directions (the universe) were
clear to him. He became the Buddha that guides all people to true happiness.
This was an astounding event! A human being
became an ascetic and achieved the level of Buddha! For several weeks, Buddha
enjoyed his enlightenment. He didn't believe that people of this world who yield
to lust would understand the state of being Buddha. Not only wouldn't they
understand it, but they might slander Buddhism and commit terrible evil deeds.
He once faltered and thought of committing suicide. However, a very strong
desire to share this profound dharma arose from the bottom of his heart. Buddha
resolved to spread the true teachings to all people and his heart filled with
joy.