The Buddha, declaring both himself and his bhikkhus (monks) freed from all divine and human snares, instructs them to go forth and teach the Dhamma — a teaching good in its beginning, middle, and end, leading to a perfect holy life — for the welfare and happiness of all beings, as some are ready to understand it; he himself also intends to teach. This declaration of freedom is immediately challenged by Māra, who claims the Buddha is still bound. However, the Buddha refutes Māra's assertions, specifically stating his detachment from sensory desires (forms, sounds, tastes, smells, tangibles), which Māra intended as a "mental snare," causing Māra to recognise his defeat and vanish in distress.
