Patirūpa Sutta (SN 4.14) – The Discourse on the Suitable

4. The Discourse on the Suitable

150. More Details On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling among the Kosalans at Ekasālā, a brahmin village. Now at that time the Blessed One was expounding the Teaching surrounded by a great assembly of householders.

Then this occurred to Māra the Evil One: "This ascetic Gotama is expounding the Teaching surrounded by a great assembly of householders. What if I were to approach the ascetic Gotama for the purpose of blinding their vision." Then Māra the Evil One approached the Blessed One; having approached, he addressed the Blessed One in verse -

"This is not proper for you, that you instruct others;

Do not get attached while practising thus, in compliance and opposition."

"The Perfectly Enlightened One, wishing for their welfare, instructs others;

The Truth-finder is free from compliance and opposition."

Then Māra the Evil One, thinking "the Blessed One knows me, the Fortunate One knows me", afflicted and unhappy, disappeared right there.