The Samyutta Nikaya
The Grouped Discourses
Samyutta Nikaya V.1
Alavika Sutta
Alavika
Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Bodhi.
[128] Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Blessed
One was dwelling at Savatthi in Jeta's Grove, Anathapindika's Park.
Then, in the morning, the bhikkhuni Alavika dressed
and, taking bowl and robe, entered Savatthi for alms. When she had walked
for alms in Savatthi and had returned from her alms round, after her meal
she went to the Blind Men's Grove seeking seclusion.
Then Mara the Evil One, desiring to arouse fear,
trepidation, and terror in the bhikkhuni Alavika, desiring to make her
fall away from seclusion, approached her and addressed her in verse:
"There is no escape in the world,
So what will you do with seclusion?
Enjoy the delights of sensual pleasure:
Don't be remorseful later!"
Then it occurred to the bhikkhuni Alavika: "Now
who is it that recited the verse -- a human being or a non-human
being?" Then it occurred to her: "This is Mara the Evil One, who
has recited the verse desiring to arouse fear, trepidation, and terror in
me, desiring to make me fall away from seclusion."
Then the bhikkhuni Alavika, having understood,
"This is Mara the Evil One," replied to him in verses:
"There is an escape in the world
Which I have closely touched with wisdom.
O Evil One, kinsman of the negligent,
You do not know that state.
Sensual pleasures are like sword stakes;
The aggregates, their chopping block.
What you call sensual delight
Has become for me non-delight." [129]
Then Mara the Evil One, realizing, "The bhikkhuni
Alavika knows me," sad and disappointed, disappeared right there.
Read an alternate translation by
Thanissaro Bhikkhu
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