6.
The Discourse on the Snake
142.
Thus have I heard -
On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Rājagaha in the Bamboo Grove, the Squirrels' Feeding Ground.
Now at that time the Blessed One was seated in the open air in the darkness of the night, and the rain god was sprinkling drop by drop.
Then Māra the Evil One, wishing to arouse fear, trepidation, and terror in the Blessed One, having created a great serpent-king appearance, approached the Blessed One. Just as a great single-tree boat, so was its body. Just as a great brewer's straining basket, so was its hood. Just as a great Kosalan bronze dish, so were its eyes. Just as when the sky is thundering lightning flashes forth, so from its mouth its tongue flashed forth. Just as there is a sound of a blacksmith's bellows being blown, so was the sound of its in-breath and out-breath.
Then the Blessed One, having understood "this is Māra the Evil One", addressed Māra the Evil One in verses -
That sage, self-restrained, is better;
Having relinquished, he should wander there,
For that is fitting for one such as that.
And also many the gadflies and serpents;
Not even a hair would he stir there,
The great sage gone to an empty house.
Though all living beings should tremble;
Even if they should thrust a dart into his chest,
The Buddhas do not seek shelter in clinging."
Then Māra the Evil One, thinking "the Blessed One knows me, the Fortunate One knows me", afflicted and unhappy, disappeared right there.