Chapter XXVI - BRAHMANA VAGGA - The Brahmana

A BRAHMANA IS HE WHO HAS DESTROYED ALL FETTERS

Sabba sannojanam chetva yo ve na paritassati
Sangatigam visamyuttam tam aham brumi brahmanam. [397]

XXVI: 14 One who has cut off fetters has no fear (Uggasena)^*

After marrying a dancer from a theatrical troupe, Uggasena was trained by his father-in-law who was an acrobat, and became very skilful in acrobatics. One day while he was demonstrating his skill, the Buddha came to the scene. After hearing the Buddha's teaching, Uggasena attained Arahanthood while he was still on top of the long bamboo pole. After that, he climbed down from the pole and requested the Buddha to accept him as a disciple and was accordingly admitted into the Order.

One day, when questioned, Uggasena told some bhikkhus that he had felt no fear when he was on top of the bamboo pole. The bhikkhus asked the Buddha, 'Venerable Sir! Uggasena claims to be an Arahant. Is it true?' The Buddha replied, 'Bhikkhus, one who has cut off all fetters like Uggasena, has no fear. He is indeed an Arahant.'