Māra asks the nun about who has created this being. Recognizing him, she points out that the word “being” is nothing more than a convention used to designate the aggregates, just as the word “cart” is used when the parts are assembledAt Sāvatthī. Then the nun Vajirā robed up in the morning and, taking her bowl and robe, entered Sāvatthī for alms. She wandered for alms in Sāvatthī. After the meal, on her return from alms-round, she went to the Dark Forest, plunged deep into it, and sat at the root of a tree for the day’s meditation. [Read More]

Māra asks the nun Selā about who has created this “puppet”, i.e. the form that has been reincarnated. She replies that there is no creator, but it arises as a result of conditions, like the growing of a seed in a field.At Sāvatthī. Then the nun Selā robed up in the morning … and sat at the root of a tree for the day’s meditation. Then Māra the Wicked, wanting to make the nun Selā feel fear, terror, and goosebumps … addressed her in verse: “Who created this puppet? [Read More]

Māra asks the nun Sīsupacālā whose teaching she believes in. She replies that she rejects the various sectarians and follows the Buddha, as his teachings lead to freedom.At Sāvatthī. Then the nun Sīsupacālā robed up in the morning … and sat at the root of a tree for the day’s meditation. Then Māra the Wicked went up to Sīsupacālā and said to her, “Nun, whose creed do you believe in?” “I don’t believe in anyone’s creed, sir. [Read More]

Māra asks the nun Upacālā where she wishes to be reborn. But as the world everywhere is burning, she rejects all forms of rebirth.At Sāvatthī. Then the nun Upacālā robed up in the morning … and sat at the root of a tree for the day’s meditation. Then Māra the Wicked went up to Upacālā and said to her, “Nun, where do you want to be reborn?” “I don’t want to be reborn anywhere, sir. [Read More]

Māra asks the nun Cālā why she disapproves of rebith. She replies that it necessarily entails suffering.At Sāvatthī. Then the nun Cālā robed up in the morning … and sat at the root of a tree for the day’s meditation. Then Māra the Wicked went up to Cālā and said to her, “Nun, what don’t you approve of?” “I don’t approve of rebirth, sir.” “Why don’t you approve of rebirth? When you’re born, you get to enjoy sensual pleasures. [Read More]