Now on that occasion a great mass of people had been put in
bondage by King Pasenadi of Kosala—some with ropes, some with clogs,
some with chains. Then, in the morning, a number of
bhikkhus dressed ... and said to the Blessed One: “Here, venerable sir, a
great mass of people have been put in bondage by King Pasenadi of
Kosala, some with ropes, some with clogs, some with chains.” Then the
Blessed One, having understood the meaning of this, on that occasion
recited these verses:
“That bond, the wise say, is not strong
Made
of iron, wood, or rope;
But infatuation with jewellery and earrings,
Anxious concern for wives and children—
This, the wise say, is the
strong bond,
Degrading, supple, hard to escape.
But even this they cut
and wander forth,
Unconcerned, having abandoned sensual
pleasures.
SN 3; 10
