SN4.13 — The Discourse on the Splinter

Thus have I heard:

At one time the Blessed One was dwelling in Rajagaha, in the Maddakucchi Deer Park.

At that time, the Blessed One's foot was injured by a splinter,

and severe physical pains, sharp, harsh, bitter, unpleasant, and disagreeable, afflicted the Blessed One.

But the Blessed One endured them, mindful and fully aware, without being troubled.

Then the Blessed One, having folded his robe in four, lay down on his right side in the lion's posture, with one foot placed on the other, mindful and fully aware.

Then Mara the Evil One approached the Blessed One; having approached, he addressed the Blessed One in verse:

Are you lying down out of drowsiness or intoxication with poetry?

Do you have no goals to achieve?

Alone in a secluded resting place,

Why do you sleep with your mouth open?

I do not lie down out of drowsiness nor intoxication with poetry,

Having achieved my goal, I am free from sorrow;

Alone in a secluded resting place,

I lie down with compassion for all beings.

Even those with a dart embedded in their chest,

Piercing their heart again and again;

Even they can sleep with the dart,

Therefore, I do not sleep, free from the dart.

I am vigilant, not afraid nor fearful of sleep,

Day and night do not trouble me;

I see no loss anywhere in the world,

Therefore, I sleep with compassion for all beings.

Then Mara the Evil One thought, The Blessed One knows me, the Well-Gone One knows me, and, sad and dejected, he vanished right there.

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