Academic Sutta Name Notes PSA Plae Vagga Nikaya PTS Keywords
DhA.

XXIV:8 How Mara tried to frighten young Rahula

On one occasion, a large number of bhikkhus arrived at the Jetavana monastery. To put up the visiting bhikkhus, Samanera Rahula had to go and sleep near the door, just outside the chamber of the Buddha. Mara wanting to annoy the Buddha through his son Rahula, took the form of an elephant and encircling the youth's head with his trunk made an alarming noise hoping to frighten him. But Rahula was unmoved. The Buddha from his chamber knew what was happening, and said, 'O wicked Mara! Even a thousand such as you would not be able to frighten my son. My son has no fear, he is free from craving, he is vigilant, he is wise.'

Hearing these words, Mara realised that the Buddha knew his tricks and instantly disappeared.

55/170 Dhammapada & Commentary Khuddhaka J.i.106ff. despair


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Last modified on: Sunday, 13 August 2000.