sn.4.8 Saṁyutta Nikāya (Linked Discourses)

He Delights

Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Savatthi in Jeta’s Grove, Anathapiṇḍika’s Park.

Then Mara the Evil One approached the Blessed One and recited this verse in the presence of the Blessed One:

“One who has sons delights in sons,
One with cattle delights in cattle.
Acquisitions truly are a man’s delight;
Without acquisitions one does not delight.”

The Blessed One:

“One who has sons sorrows over sons,
One with cattle sorrows over cattle.
Acquisitions truly are a man’s sorrow;
Without acquisitions one does not sorrow.”

Then Mara the Evil One … disappeared right there.

- Translator: Bhikkhu Bodhi

- Editor: Blake Walsh

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Delighting

So I have heard.
At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery.
Then Māra the Wicked went up to the Buddha and recited this verse in the Buddha’s presence:
“Your children bring you delight!
Your cattle also bring you delight!
For attachments are a man’s delight;
without attachments there’s no delight.”
“Your children bring you sorrow.
Your cattle also bring you sorrow.
For attachments are a man’s sorrow;
without attachments there are no sorrows.”
Then Māra the Wicked, thinking, “The Buddha knows me! The Holy One knows me!” miserable and sad, vanished right there.