Sappa Sutta

Translation by Bhikkhuni Uppalavanna

1. Thus I heard. At one time the Blessed One was living in the squirrels' sanctuary in the bamboo grove in Rajagaha.

2. At that time the Blessed One was seated in open space, in the dark and drops of rain were also falling.

3. Màra the evil one intending to frighten the Blessed One, creating the form of a huge serpent, approached the Blessed One.

4. Its body was like a boat, head like a brewer's strainer, eyes, like bronze bowls of Kosala measure. Its hanging tongue was like lightening from a rainy cloud. His breathing gave the sound of the bellows of a smithy.

5. The Blessed One knowing that it's Màra the evil one, said these stanzas to him:


 * "To him who abounds empty houses, the sage, skilled in the self is excellent,
 * Give up and go to him, you are an imitation of such ones
 * There, you get many, animals, fears, flies that sting and many creeping things
 * Even a hair does not stand, of the great sage entering an empty house
 * The sky may split, the earth may shiver, all, living things may be frightened
 * Even the arrow in the heart would quake and enlightened ones do not make bonds."

6. Then Màra the evil one knew, "The Blessed One has recognized me," became displeased and vanished from there.