5.
The Discourse on Intending to Find Fault
35.
On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Sāvatthī in Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's park.
Then many deities intending on finding fault, when the night was far advanced, with surpassing beauty, having illuminated almost the entire Jeta's Grove, approached the Blessed One;
having approached, they stood in the sky.
Standing in the sky, one deity spoke this verse in the presence of the Blessed One:
Having deceived, like a cheat, that is enjoyed by him through theft.
One not doing but speaking - the wise fully understand him."
Can this firm practice be followed;
By which the wise are freed, meditators, from Māra's bondage.
Having understood, the wise are quenched, having crossed over attachment in the world."
Then those deities, having alighted on the earth, having fallen at the Blessed One's feet with their heads, said this to the Blessed One: "A transgression overcame us, venerable sir, as ones who were foolish, as ones who were confused, as ones who were unwholesome, in that we thought the Blessed One was to be assailed. May the Blessed One accept our transgression as a transgression for the sake of restraint in the future." Then the Blessed One manifested a smile. Then those deities, grumbling even more exceedingly, rose up into the sky. One deity spoke this verse in the presence of the Blessed One:
With anger within, burdened with hate, he binds enmity upon himself."
And enmities would not be appeased, by what would one here be wholesome?"
Who does not fall into confusion, and who is wise, always mindful?"
For him there are no transgressions, for him there is no wrongdoing;
He does not fall into confusion, he alone is wise, always mindful."
One with inner irritation, weighed down by hate, he binds enmity upon himself;
I do not delight in that enmity, I accept your confession."