[II. Progress of the Sāsana]
19: The Second Story about Māra Cf. Paṭhamamārapāsasuttaṁ in Mārasaṁyuttaṁ, SN1.4.4, where the order of the sections is reversed.
Then the Fortunate One, having stayed for the Rains Retreat, The mention here of the end of the Rains Retreat must mean that this section is misplaced, or, more likely, a variation of the First Story about Māra, as that formed the basis for the Buddha sending out the sixty monks on pilgrimage, which implies that the Rains Retreat had already finished. addressed the monks, (saying): “I, monks, through wise application of thought, through wise endeavour, have attained supreme liberation, have experienced supreme liberation; you also, monks, through wise application of thought, through wise endeavour, have attained supreme liberation, have experienced supreme liberation.”
Then the Wicked Māra approached the Fortunate One, and after approaching the Fortunate One he spoke this verse:
“You are bound with Māra’s snares, both divine and human,
You are bound in Māra’s bonds, you are not free from me, ascetic!”
“I am liberated from Māra’s snares, both divine and human,
I am liberated from Māra’s bonds: 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 Second Story about Māra is Finished