sn.4.14 Saṁyutta Nikāya (Linked Discourses)

Suitable

On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling among the Kosalans at the brahmin village of Ekasala. Now on that occasion the Blessed One was teaching the Dhamma surrounded by a large assembly of laypeople.

Then it occurred to Mara the Evil One: “This ascetic Gotama is teaching the Dhamma while surrounded by a large assembly of laypeople. 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:

“This is not suitable for you,
That you instruct others.
When so engaged don’t get caught
In attraction and repulsion.”

The Blessed One:

“Compassionate for their welfare,
The Buddha instructs others.
The Tathagata is fully released
From attraction and repulsion.”

Then Mara the Evil One … disappeared right there.

- Translator: Bhikkhu Bodhi

- Editor: Blake Walsh

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Appropriate

At one time the Buddha was staying in the land of the Kosalans near the brahmin village of Ekasālā.
Now, at that time the Buddha was teaching Dhamma, surrounded by a large assembly of laypeople.
Then Māra thought,
“The ascetic Gotama is teaching Dhamma, surrounded by a large assembly of laypeople.
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:
“It’s not appropriate for you
to instruct others.
As you engage in this,
don’t get caught up in favoring and opposing.”
“The Buddha instructs others
out of compassion for their welfare.
The Realized One is liberated
from favoring and opposing.”
Then Māra the Wicked, thinking, “The Buddha knows me! The Holy One knows me!” miserable and sad, vanished right there.