Mārasaṁyutta 14

Linked Discourses 4.14

2. Rule

Appropriate

1 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.

2 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:

3 “It’s not appropriate for you

to instruct others.

As you engage in this,

don’t get caught up in favoring and opposing.”

4 “The Buddha instructs others

out of compassion for their welfare.

The Realized One is liberated

from favoring and opposing.”

5 Then Māra the Wicked, thinking, “The Buddha knows me! The Holy One knows me!” miserable and sad, vanished right there.