Chapter 24

How Mara is Discomforted and Defeated

153. But Mara at that time will become like a person with a thorn stuck in their flesh, afflicted, miserable, displeased and feeling weak. Mara will make an illusion of an uncontrollable consuming fire, a hurling meteor, in order to confuse with fear. “How can this bodhisattva’s contemplative mind be broken?” Mara will say.

154. When the wise become unmovable in their intent, beholding the meaning of wisdom day and night, the foremost perfection; their bodies, thoughts and speech become free like a bird in the sky. How can Mara gain any entrance to them?

What Makes Mara Happy

155. When a bodhisattva gets involved in quarrels and disputes, and especially when two bodhisattvas become conflicted and angry with each other, then Mara becomes happy, and overjoyed thinking, “Both of these people are still very far away from realizing their Buddha-enlightenment. Ha! They are more like fighting animals, or demons than true bodhisattvas. I bet it will not be too much longer before they start to stray from their vows and pledges. Those who are full of hate, lacking in their practice, how can they attain enlightenment?” Now Mara is happy, as well as his helpers.

The Bodhisattva’s Price and Repentance

156. If a bodhisattva who is not yet predicted (on a last life) should have angry thoughts and bring about a dispute with another; for as many seconds as they persist in holding onto these negative thoughts, for that many thousands of years must they return as a bodhisattva (put on the armor of a bodhisattva).

157. Then, having properly establishes their mindfulness; one thinks to themselves, “These are not good thoughts. It is only by the perfection of patience that the Buddha’s ever experience enlightenment.” Such a person confesses their faults and restrains themselves. Or, better yet, they learn to give up on angry thoughts altogether, by training themselves in this Bodhi-dharma.