here, they said to the Blessed One, "Lord, a great group of people has now been put into bondage by King Pasenadi Kosala—some with ropes, some with wooden shackles, some with chains." Then, on realizing the significance of that, the Blessed One on that occasion spoke these verses: Thatâs not a strong bond —so say the enlightened— the one made of iron, of wood, or of grass. To be smitten, enthralled, with jewels & ornaments, longing for children & wives: Thatâs the strong bond, —so say the enlightened— one thatâs constraining, elastic, hard to untie. But having cut it, they —the enlightened—go forth, free of longing, abandoning sensual ease.1 Note 1. These verses = Dhp 345–346. - --> - - - -