Deep Commentary

This Dhammapada verse was taught by the Buddha at Jetavana Monastery, concerning two Brahmins. These two Brahmins each had an ox, one named Little Red (Culla Rohita) and the other Big Red (Maha Rohita). One day, the two Brahmins argued, comparing their oxen, each claiming his own was the best. After quarrelling exhaustedly, they thought of testing the animals' pulling strength. They brought their ox-carts to the bank of the Aciravati River, loaded them heavily with sand and stones, and had the oxen pull. But no matter how they urged them, the carts did not move, and suddenly all the ropes broke. Some bhikkhus who were bathing in the river saw this and reported it to the Buddha. He taught: 'Bhikkhus, those are external ropes, which can be cut. But a contemplative must cut the inner ropes of anger and craving.' (Excerpted from Dhammapada Stories, Vol. III). Living within ignorance and karmic consciousness, quarrelling over winning and losing is common in the world. Where there is contention, there is comparison. From that arises enmity, then killing and mutual destruction. Today's chaotic world is likewise due to humanity's competitiveness. Winners become rulers, losers become outcasts—on battlefields and in marketplaces, it has always been so. To defeat opponents, people unhesitatingly use every cunning means and ruthless tactic. Even if those means kill countless human lives, they do not flinch. How terrifying is the cruelty of humans! In the story above, two Brahmins argued over their oxen. Though minor, without controlling anger, it could lead to bloodshed. Who can predict the nature of human anger? Once the fire of rage blazes high, it burns everything. A small spark can burn down an entire forest. Seeing the broken ropes, the bhikkhus reported to the Buddha. He taught: 'A contemplative must cut the inner ropes of anger and craving.' Only by cutting these inner bonds can we be liberated from all suffering. As for external ropes, even if millions are cut, it is insignificant, for they have nothing to do with eradicating defilements. Yet in this world, people value external material things more than inner defilements. Therefore, the Buddha said that beings remain endlessly wandering in this realm of suffering—that is why.