8. Mara, the evil one, persuading the future Buddha to turn back on the point of his departure from the city
Coming away from Yasodhara’s chamber, the Future Buddha descended from the palace and rode on the mighty steed, Kanthaka, already saddled and bridled for the journey, with Channa holding on by the tail. He issued forth on the Great Renunciation and arrived at midnight at the great gate of the city. At this moment came Mara, the Evil One, with the intention of persuading the Future Buddha to turn back; and standing in the air, he said, “Sir, go not forth! On the seventh day from now the Wheel Treasure will appear to you. Sir, turn back!”
The Future Buddha replied as follows: “Mara, I know that the Wheel Treasure was on the point of appearing to me ; but I do not wish for sovereignty. My sole desire is to become a Buddha and save the world of gods and men”. He then departed from the city in great splendor surrounded by higher and lower deities on all sides, the divinity that guarded the city-gate having opened it for them.
THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF BUDDHISM
by ASHIN JANAKA BHIVAMSA (Aggamahapandita)
Artist: U Ba Kyi | Link to this post
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