sn.4.15 Saṁyutta Nikāya (Linked Discourses)

Mental

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 addressed him in verse:

“There is a snare moving in the sky,
Something mental which moves about
By means of which I’ll catch you yet:
You won’t escape me, ascetic!”

The Blessed One:

“Forms, sounds, tastes, odours,
And delightful tactile objects—
Desire for these has vanished in me:
You’re defeated, End-maker!”

Then Mara the Evil One … disappeared right there.

- Translator: Bhikkhu Bodhi

- Editor: Blake Walsh

---

A Mental Snare

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 addressed him in verse:
“There’s a mental snare
wandering the sky.
I’ll bind you with it—
you won’t escape me, ascetic!”
“Sights, sounds, tastes, smells,
and touches so delightful:
desire for these is gone from me.
You’re beaten, terminator!”
Then Māra the Wicked, thinking, “The Buddha knows me! The Holy One knows me!” miserable and sad, vanished right there.