Thus have I heard:
One time, the Budha was staying at Anaathapindidas Ashrama in Jetavana of Shraavastii.
At that time, Bhagavaan addressed the Bhikshus: “Among beings with large forms, none surpass the Asura King. Bhikshus, you should know that the Asura King’s body is 84,000 yojanas in length, and his mouth is 1,000 yojanas wide.
Bhikshus, you should know that there are times when the Asura King desires to assault the sun and moon. At such times, he doubles his form to 168,000 yojanas and approaches the sun and moon. When the sun and moon kings see him, they are filled with terror and cannot remain in their places. This is because the Asura King’s form is extremely fearsome. Due to their fear, the sun and moon kings lose their radiance. However, the Asura King does not dare to seize the sun and moon.
Why is this? The sun and moon possess great divine power, their lifespans are extremely long, their appearances are dignified, and they enjoy boundless bliss. To know the length of their lifespans, they live for one kalpa. Moreover, it is due to the blessings of the beings in this world that the sun and moon kings are not harassed by the Asura King. At that time, the Asura King becomes filled with sorrow and vanishes.
“In the same way, O Bhikshus, the evil Mara Papiyan is always behind you, seeking opportunities to destroy your wholesome roots. Papiyan transforms into extremely delightful and extraordinary forms of sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and tactile sensations, intending to confuse the minds of the Bhikshus.
Papiyan thinks, ‘I will find an opportunity through the Bhikshus’ eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind.’ At that time, although the Bhikshus encounter these delightful objects of the six senses, their minds remain free from attachment. Then, the evil Mara Papiyan becomes filled with sorrow and retreats. This is due to the power of the Tathaagata, the Arhat.
Why is this? The Bhikshus do not cling to sights, sounds, smells, tastes, or tactile sensations. At that time, the Bhikshus constantly reflect that receiving the faithful offerings of others is extremely difficult and cannot be easily digested. If not careful, one may fall into the five realms of existence and fail to attain the supreme path of true enlightenment.
Therefore, one must focus the mind, striving to attain what has not yet been attained, to achieve what has not yet been achieved, to liberate what has not yet been liberated, and to guide those who have not yet realized the truth to attain realization. Therefore, O Bhikshus, when there are no offerings, do not give rise to thoughts of longing. When there are offerings, digest them properly without giving rise to attachment. Thus, O Bhikshus, you should train yourselves.”
When the Bhikshus heard what the Budha said, they followed it with joy.