Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c31.2767

v2.c31.2767

The books mention many occasions on which Māra assumed various forms under which to tempt bhikkhunīs, often in lonely spots—*e.g.*, Āḷavikā, Kisāgotamī, Somā, Vijayā, Uppalavaṇṇā, Cālā, Upacālā, Sisūpacālā, Selā, Vajirā and Khemā.²⁰ To the same category of temptations belongs a story found in late commentaries²¹: when Gotama was leaving his palace on his journey of Renunciation, Māra, here called Vasavattī, appeared before him and promised him the kingdom and the whole world within seven days if he would but turn back. Māra’s temptations were not confined to monks and nuns; he tempted also lay men and women and tried to lure them from the path of goodness—e.g., in the story of Dhaniya and his wife.²²