[II. Progress of the Sāsana]
17: The Story about Māra Cf. Dutiyamārapāsasuttaṁ in Mārasaṁyuttaṁ, SN1.4.5.
Then the Fortunate One addressed the monks, (saying): “I am liberated from all snares, monks, both divine and human, you are also liberated from all snares, monks, both divine and human. Go on a walk, Lit: walk a walk, which is a common sort of construction in Pāḷi, but unidiomatic in English. We can infer from the injunction that the Rainy Season is now over and the monks are free to wander around the countryside. monks, for the benefit of many people, for the happiness of many people, out of compassion for the world, for the welfare, benefit, and happiness of gods and men. Do not let two go by one (way), Following the commentarial paraphrase. teach the Dhamma, monks, (which is) good in the beginning, good in the middle, good in the end, with its meaning, with its (proper) phrasing; explain the spiritual life which is complete, full and pure, there are beings with little dust on the eyes who are perishing through not hearing the Dhamma, there will be those who will understand the Dhamma. I will go, monks, to Uruvelā and Senāni Village in order to teach the Dhamma.”
Then the Wicked Māra approached the Fortunate One, and after approaching the Fortunate One he spoke this verse:
“You are bound with all the snares, both divine and human,
You are bound in great bonds, you are not free from me, ascetic!”
“I am liberated from all snares, both divine and human,
I am liberated from the great bonds: you are brought low, End-Maker!”
“The snare is in the very space the mind travels through,
Therefore it is in bondage, you are not free from me, ascetic!”
“Forms, sounds, scents, tastes, tangibles delight the mind,
(But) for me there is no desire: you are brought low, End-Maker!”
Then the Wicked Māra (understood): “The Fortunate One knows me, the Happy One knows me!” and pained, depressed, he vanished right there.
The Story about Māra is Finished