2.
The Discourse on Samiddhi
158.
On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling among the Sakyans at Silāvatī.
Now at that time the Venerable Samiddhi was dwelling not far from the Blessed One, diligent, ardent, and resolute.
Then, when the Venerable Samiddhi had gone to a private place and was in seclusion, this reflection arose in his mind:
"It is a gain for me indeed, it is well-gained for me indeed, that my Teacher is the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One.
It is a gain for me indeed, it is well-gained for me indeed, that I have gone forth in such a well-proclaimed Teaching and discipline.
It is a gain for me indeed, it is well-gained for me indeed, that my fellows in the holy life are moral, of good character."
Then Māra the Evil One, having known with his mind the reflection in the mind of the Venerable Samiddhi, approached the Venerable Samiddhi;
having approached, not far from the Venerable Samiddhi, he made a great fearful and terrifying sound, so much so that the earth, methinks, was splitting open.
Then the Venerable Samiddhi approached the Blessed One; having approached, he paid respect to the Blessed One and sat down to one side. Seated to one side, the Venerable Samiddhi said this to the Blessed One: "Here I, venerable sir, was dwelling not far from the Blessed One, diligent, ardent, and resolute. When I, venerable sir, had gone to a private place and was in seclusion, this reflection arose in my mind: 'It is a gain for me indeed, it is well-gained for me indeed, that my Teacher is the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One. It is a gain for me indeed, it is well-gained for me indeed, that I have gone forth in such a well-proclaimed Teaching and discipline. It is a gain for me indeed, it is well-gained for me indeed, that my fellows in the holy life are moral, of good character.' Then, venerable sir, not far from me there was a great fearful and terrifying sound, so much so that the earth, methinks, was splitting open."
"This is not, Samiddhi, the earth splitting open. This is Māra the Evil One, come for the purpose of blinding your vision. Go, Samiddhi, dwell right there, diligent, ardent, and resolute." "Yes, venerable sir," the Venerable Samiddhi, having assented to the Blessed One, having risen from his seat, having paid respect to the Blessed One, having circumambulated him keeping him on his right, departed. For the second time the Venerable Samiddhi dwelt right there, diligent, ardent, and resolute. For the second time, when the Venerable Samiddhi had gone to a private place and was in seclusion, etc. For the second time Māra the Evil One, having known with his mind the reflection in the mind of the Venerable Samiddhi, etc. so much so that the earth, methinks, was splitting open. Then the Venerable Samiddhi addressed Māra the Evil One in verse:
Mindfulness and wisdom have been developed in me, and my mind is well concentrated;
Make whatever forms you wish, you will never disturb me."
Then Māra the Evil One, thinking "the monk Samiddhi knows me", afflicted and unhappy, disappeared right there.