8.
The Discourse on Almsfood
154.
On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling among the Magadhans at Pañcasālā, a brahmin village.
Now at that time at Pañcasālā, the brahmin village, there were gift-givings for the young girls.
Then the Blessed One, having dressed in the earlier period of the day, taking his bowl and robe, entered Pañcasālā, the brahmin village, for almsfood.
Now at that time the brahmin householders of Pañcasālā had been possessed by Māra the Evil One -
"Let not the ascetic Gotama obtain almsfood."
Then the Blessed One entered Pañcasālā, the brahmin village, for almsfood with his bowl as washed, and departed with his bowl as washed. Then Māra the Evil One approached the Blessed One; having approached, he said this to the Blessed One - "Did you, ascetic, obtain almsfood?" "So you, Evil One, acted in such a way that I would not obtain almsfood." "Well then, venerable sir, let the Blessed One enter Pañcasālā, the brahmin village, for almsfood a second time. I shall act in such a way that the Blessed One will obtain almsfood."
What do you think, Evil One, does not my evil ripen?
We shall be feeders on rapture, like the radiant gods."
Then Māra the Evil One, thinking "the Blessed One knows me, the Fortunate One knows me", afflicted and unhappy, disappeared right there.