Text of Confucianism Part 02

SR No.: 007676
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: James Legge
Publisher: Oxford
Publication Year: 1882
Total Pages: 2405
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 43 MB

Page 1824

V, 23. BY SPIRITUAL POWER FIXING HIS YEARS.
267
and there he rested during the rainy season; the three months' rest being ended, again he returned to Vaisalt, 1835
And dwelt beside the Monkey? Tank; sitting there in a shady grove, he shed a flood of glory from his person; aroused thereby, Mara Pisuna 1836
Came to the place where Buddha was, and with closed palms exhorted him thus: 'Formerly, beside the Nairañganâ river, when you had accomplished your true and steadfast aim, 1837
(You said), “When I have done all I have to do, then will I pass at once to Nirvana ;" and now you have done all you have to do, you should, as then you said, pass to Nirvana. 1838
Then Buddha spake to Pisuna 8 : 'The time of my complete deliverance is at hand, but let three months elapse, and I shall reach Nirvana.' 1839
Then Mâra, knowing that Tathagata had fixed the time for his emancipation, his earnest wish being thus fulfilled, joyous returned to his abode in heaven". 1840
Ânanda, let us go on to Beluva," Sacred Books of the East, vol. xi, p. 34.
1 The Markatahrada.
. Here the description of Mara, with closed palms,' leaves no doubt that the figure in Tree and Serpent Worship (plate xxvi, fig. 1, 1st ed.) represents Mâra in this scene,' requesting Buddha to depart.' It is satisfactory to know that the Buddhist idea of the appearance of the Wicked One' (Pisuna) was not in agreement with our modern conception of the form of Satan. He is here represented as a Deva, 'lord of the world of desires' (kamaloka).
• Compare this account of Mara's appeal with Rhys Davids (Páli Suttas, p. 53).
• His abode in heaven. He is represented in Tree and Serpent Worship (plate xxx, fig. 1) as standing on the platform above the
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