Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c31.2785

v2.c31.2785

³³ D. ii. 259; elsewhere in the same sutta (p. 261 f.) it is said that when all the devas and others had assembled to hear the Buddha preach, Māra came with his "swarthy host" and attempted to blind the assembly with thoughts of lust, etc. But the Buddha, seeing him, warned his followers against him and Māra had to depart unsuccessful. At the end of the sutta, four lines are traditionally ascribed to Māra. They express admiration of the Buddha and his followers. In this sutta Māra is described as mahāsena (having a large army).