10.
The Discourse on Kingship
156.
On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling among the Kosalans in the Himalayan region in a forest hut.
Then, when the Blessed One had gone to a private place and was in seclusion, this reflection arose in his mind:
"Is it possible to exercise kingship without killing, without causing to kill, without conquering, without causing to conquer, without sorrowing, without causing to sorrow, righteously?"
Then Māra the Evil One, having known with his mind the reflection in the mind of the Blessed One, approached the Blessed One; having approached, he said this to the Blessed One - "Let the Blessed One exercise kingship, venerable sir, let the Fortunate One exercise kingship without killing, without causing to kill, without conquering, without causing to conquer, without sorrowing, without causing to sorrow, righteously." "But what do you see in me, Evil One, that you speak to me thus - 'Let the Blessed One exercise kingship, venerable sir, let the Fortunate One exercise kingship without killing, without causing to kill, without conquering, without causing to conquer, without sorrowing, without causing to sorrow, righteously'?" "The four bases for spiritual power, venerable sir, have been developed by the Blessed One, cultivated, mastered, made a basis of, practised, accumulated, and thoroughly undertaken. And if he wishes, venerable sir, the Blessed One could resolve that the Himalaya, the king of mountains, be gold, and it would be gold."
Even twice that would not be enough for one, knowing this, one should live righteously.
How could that being incline towards sensual pleasures;
Having understood that clinging is attachment in the world,
A being should train for the removal of that very thing."
Then Māra the Evil One, thinking "the Blessed One knows me, the Fortunate One knows me", afflicted and unhappy, disappeared right there.