Buddhist Dhammapadha Cut the strap of craving

Chapter XXVI - BRAHMANA VAGGA - The Brahmana

A BRAHMANA IS HE WHO HAS NO HATRED

A BRAHMANA IS HE WHO HAS NO HATRED

Chetva naddhim varattan ca sandamam sahanukkamam
Ukkhitta paligham buddham tam aham brumi brahmanam. [398]

He who has cut the strap (hatred), the thong (craving), and the rope (heresies), together with the appendages (latent tendencies), who has thrown up the cross-bar (ignorance), who is enlightened ¹ (Buddha), - him I call a brahmana. [398]

XXVI: 15 Cut the strap of craving

Once there lived in Savatthi two brahmins, each of whom owned an ox. Each claimed that his ox was better and stronger. At last they agreed to put their animals to the test. So they went to the bank of a river and there they filled up the cart with sand. One after the other, the oxen pulled the cart, but they only pulled in vain, because the cart did not move and the ropes broke off. On seeing this, the bhikkhus reported to the Buddha who said, 'Bhikkhus! It is easy to break off the straps which you can see with your own eyes; anyone can break them or cut them. But my sons, a bhikkhu should cut the straps of anger and craving which are within you and which bind you.'

Notes:

Who has understood the four Noble Truths.