[138] Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's Park. Then a certain bhikkhu approached the Blessed One; having approached and paid homage to the Blessed One, he sat down to one side. Sitting to one side, that bhikkhu said this to the Blessed One: "It would be good, venerable sir, if the Blessed One would teach me the Dhamma in brief, so that, having heard the Dhamma from the Blessed One, I might dwell alone, withdrawn, heedful, ardent (ātāpī), and resolute."
"One who clings (upādiyamāna), bhikkhu, is bound by Māra; one who does not cling is freed from the Evil One."
"Understood, Blessed One! Understood, Fortunate One!"
"But in what way, bhikkhu, do you understand in detail the meaning of what I have spoken in brief?"
"Venerable sir, one who clings to form (rūpa) is bound by Māra; one who does not cling is freed from the Evil One. One who clings to feeling (vedanā) is bound by Māra; one who does not cling is freed from the Evil One. … perception (saññā) … volitional formations (saṅkhārā) … One who clings to consciousness (viññāṇa) is bound by Māra; one who does not cling is freed from the Evil One. It is in this way, venerable sir, that I understand in detail the meaning of what the Blessed One has spoken in brief."
"Good, good, bhikkhu! It is good that you understand in detail the meaning of what I have spoken in brief. One who clings to form, bhikkhu, is bound by Māra; one who does not cling is freed from the Evil One. … feeling … perception … volitional formations … One who clings to consciousness is bound by Māra; one who does not cling is freed from the Evil One. It is in this way, bhikkhu, that the meaning of what I have spoken in brief should be seen in detail."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.