Buddhist Dhammapadha the bonds of craving

Chapter XXIV - TANHA VAGGA - Craving

ATTACHMENT TO WORLDLY OBJECTS IS FAR STRONGER THAN IRON CHAINS

ATTACHMENT TO WORLDLY OBJECTS IS FAR STRONGER THAN IRON CHAINS

Na tam dalham bandhanam ahu dhira yadayasam darujam babbajan ca
Sarattaratta manikundalesu puttesu daresu ca ya apekkha. [345]

RENOUNCE SENSUAL PLEASURES

Etam dalham bandhanam ahu dhira oharinam sithilam duppamuncam
Etam pi chetvana vajanti dhira anapekkhino kama sukham pahaya. [346]

That which is made of iron, wood or hemp, is not a strong bond, say the wise; the longing for jewels, ornaments, children, and wives is a far greater attachment. [345]

That bond is strong, say the wise. It hurls down, is supple, and is hard to loosen. This too the wise cut off, and leave the world, with no longing, renouncing sensual pleasures. [346]

XXIV: 04 The bonds of craving

One day, a group of bhikkhus came to Savatthi for almsfood. While they were on their almsround, they saw some prisoners being brought out with their hands and legs in chains. Back at the monastery, after relating what they had seen in the morning, they asked the Buddha whether there were other bonds stronger than these. He answered, 'Bhikkhus! Those bonds are nothing compared to the bonds of craving for food and clothing, for riches and family. This craving is stronger than those chains, hand-cuffs and cages. That is the reason why the wise cut off craving and renounce the world and enter the Order of the bhikkhus.'