sn.4.12 Saṁyutta Nikāya (Linked Discourses)

Lion

On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Savatthi in Jeta’s Grove, Anathapiṇḍika’s Park. Now on that occasion the Blessed One was teaching the Dhamma while surrounded by a large assembly.

Then it occurred to Mara the Evil One: “This ascetic Gotama is teaching the Dhamma while surrounded by a large assembly. Let me approach the ascetic Gotama in order to confound them.”

Then Mara the Evil One approached the Blessed One and addressed him in verse:

“Why now do you roar like a lion,
Confident in the assembly?
For there is one who’s a match for you,
So why think yourself the victor?”

The Blessed One:

“The great heroes roar their lion’s roar
Confident in the assemblies—
The Tathagatas endowed with the powers
Have crossed over attachment to the world.”

Then Mara the Evil One … disappeared right there.

- Translator: Bhikkhu Bodhi

- Editor: Blake Walsh

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Lion

has crossed over clinging to the world.”
At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery.
Now, at that time the Buddha was teaching Dhamma, surrounded by a large assembly.
Then Māra thought,
“The ascetic Gotama is teaching Dhamma, surrounded by a large assembly.
Why don’t I go and pull the wool over their eyes?”
Then Māra the Wicked went up to the Buddha and addressed him in verse:
“Why now do you roar like a lion?
You’re so self-assured in the assembly!
For there is someone who’ll wrestle with you,
so why do you imagine you’re the victor?”
“The great heroes they roar,
self-assured in the assemblies.
The Realized One, attained to power,
Then Māra the Wicked, thinking, “The Buddha knows me! The Holy One knows me!” miserable and sad, vanished right there.