Deep Commentary

These two verses were taught by the Buddha at Jetavana Monastery in connection with a prison. One day, criminals who had committed serious offenses such as theft, murder, and sexual violence were brought before King Pasenadi. They were tightly bound, and when the monks saw the prisoners suffering in chains, stocks, and ropes, they went to the Buddha and asked whether there was any bondage stronger than these. The Buddha replied that such bonds are not truly strong. The bonds of craving, delusion, attachment, and infatuation are far stronger, for they bind beings to suffering through many lives. Yet the wise are able to cut even these bonds. The Buddha then told a story from one of his past lives. Long ago, when King Brahmadatta ruled in Benares, the Bodhisatta was born into a poor family. After his father died, he worked to support his mother. Later he married, and after his mother passed away, his wife became pregnant without his knowing. Wishing to renounce the household life, he told his wife of his intention, but she revealed her pregnancy and asked him to stay until the child was born. After the birth, she again asked him to remain until the child was weaned. During that time she became pregnant again. Seeing that worldly attachment would continue without end, he left home secretly at night. Though he was stopped by guards, he eventually fulfilled his wish and went to the Himalayas to live as a hermit. Before long he attained spiritual powers and higher states. He reflected that he had broken the powerful bond of sensual desire and attachment to wife and children. Having told this story, the Buddha spoke the verses to clarify the meaning. These verses show that for the wise, no worldly chain is stronger than attachment to family, possessions, and sensual desire. Though invisible, this bond has tremendous power. It ties beings from life to life and makes liberation difficult. Many powerful people have been defeated not by armies or weapons, but by desire and attachment. Even kings, rulers, and heroes may lose their dignity, fortune, and life when overcome by sensual craving. The Buddha’s teaching reminds us that attachment to spouse, children, home, and possessions can become a prison more difficult to leave than an actual jail. A prison may one day open its doors, but craving does not release us unless wisdom cuts it away. In the story, the Bodhisatta found renunciation difficult, yet because of deep spiritual roots cultivated over many lives, he developed the firm resolve to leave behind the bondage of worldly affection and walk the path to freedom.