This is as I heard. At one time the Blessed One was staying in the province of Sāvatthī, in Jeta’s park, at Anathapiṇḍika’s monastery. Then, late at night, a glorious deity, lighting up the entire Jeta’s park, went up to the Blessed One, bowed, stood to one side, and recited this verse:
“In this dispensation,
someone who is fond of conceit
cannot be tamed.
One whose mind is not composed
cannot be a sage.
Despite living alone in the wilderness,
if one is negligent,
they cannot escape Māra’s grasp
and cross over.”
The Blessed One:
“That is true! Conceit should be given up.
The mind should be well concentrated.
One should develop a mind
that is free of everything unwholesome.
One who lives diligently alone in the wilderness,
escapes Māra’s grasp and crosses over.”
Sādhu! Sādhu!! Sādhu!!!
