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### Samyutta Nikaya IV.8

# Nandana Sutta

# Delight

Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
For free distribution only.

Translator's note: In this discourse, Mara and Buddha are speaking different languages. By "acquisitions" Mara means one's family and physical possessions. The Buddha uses the same word to mean a sense of possession for anything -- physical or mental -- at all.

I have heard that on one occasion the Blessed One was staying near Savatthi in Jeta's Grove, Anathapindika's monastery. Then Mara the Evil One went to the Blessed One and recited this verse in his presence:

> Those with children
> delight
> because of their children.
> Those with cattle
> delight
> because of their cows.
> A person's delight
> comes from acquisitions,
> since a person with no acquisitions
> doesn't delight.

[The Buddha:]

> Those with children
> grieve
> because of their children.
> Those with cattle
> grieve
> because of their cows.
> A person's grief
> comes from acquisitions,
> since a person with no acquisitions
> doesn't grieve.

Then Mara the Evil One -- sad & dejected at realizing, "The Blessed One knows me; the One Well-Gone knows me" -- vanished right there.

Revised: Wed 16 May 2001