[45] Brahmin, this thought occurred to me: 'What if, on those nights that are well known and specially designated—the fourteenth, the fifteenth, and the eighth of the fortnight—on such nights I were to dwell in such lodgings as park shrines (ārāmacetiya), forest shrines (vanacetiya), and tree shrines (rukkhacetiya), frightful and hair-raising as they are? Perhaps I might see that fear and dread (bhayabherava).' So, brahmin, at a later time, on those nights that are well known and specially designated—the fourteenth, the fifteenth, and the eighth of the fortnight—on such nights I dwelt in such lodgings as park shrines, forest shrines, and tree shrines, frightful and hair-raising as they are. And while I was dwelling there, brahmin, a deer would come by, or a peacock would make a stick fall, or the wind would stir the litter of fallen leaves. Then, brahmin, this thought occurred to me: 'Surely this is that fear and dread coming.' Then, brahmin, this thought occurred to me: 'Why do I dwell invariably expecting fear? What if, in whatever state I am, just as I am, when that fear and dread comes upon me, I were to subdue that fear and dread while remaining in that very same state?'
Brahmin, while I was walking, that fear and dread came upon me. I neither stood, nor sat, nor lay down until, while still walking, I had subdued that fear and dread.
Brahmin, while I was standing, that fear and dread came upon me. I neither walked, nor sat, nor lay down until, while still standing, I had subdued that fear and dread.
Brahmin, while I was sitting, that fear and dread came upon me. I neither lay down, nor stood, nor walked until, while still sitting, I had subdued that fear and dread.
Brahmin, while I was lying down, that fear and dread came upon me. I neither sat, nor stood, nor walked until, while still lying down, I had subdued that fear and dread.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.