2.
The Discourse on Striving
428.
Meditating with great exertion, for the attainment of freedom from bondage.
429.
"You are lean and discoloured, death is near to you.
430.
Live, friend, life is better, living you will make merit.
431.
Abundant merit is accumulated, what will you do with striving?
432.
Speaking these verses, Māra stood near the Buddha.
433.
"Friend of the heedless, Evil One, for whatever purpose you have come here.
434.
Those who have need of merit, Māra is worthy to address them."
435.
Why do you ask about life, when I am thus resolute?"
436.
Why should it not dry up my blood, as I am resolute?
437.
When the flesh is wasting away, the mind becomes even more clear;
Even more mindfulness and wisdom and concentration remain for me.
438.
The mind does not long for sensual pleasures, see the purity of a being.
439.
Hunger and thirst are your third, craving is called the fourth.
440.
Sceptical doubt is your seventh, contempt and obstinacy are your eighth.
441.
Whoever exalts oneself, and despises others.
442.
A coward does not conquer it, but having conquered one obtains happiness.
443.
Death in battle is better for me, than if I should live defeated.
444.
And they do not know that path, by which the virtuous go.
445.
I go forth to battle, may he not dislodge me from my position.
446.
That I shall break with wisdom, as an unripe bowl with a stone.
447.
From country to country I shall wander, training disciples far and wide.
448.
They will go against his will, where having gone they do not grieve."
449.
I did not find a chance against the Perfectly Enlightened One, the mindful.
450.
'Perhaps here we may find something soft, perhaps there may be some gratification.'
451.
Like a crow having struck against a rock, let us depart disheartened from Gotama."
452.
Then that unhappy demon disappeared right there.
The Discourse on Striving is concluded as second.