iti.15 Itivuttaka

Craving

This was said by the Lord…

“Bhikkhus, I do not perceive any single fetter other than the fetter of craving by which beings are so tied and for so long a time run on and wander in saṁsāra. It is indeed through the fetter of craving that beings are tied and for a long time run on and wander in saṁsāra.”

A man companioned by craving
Wanders on this long journey;
He cannot go beyond saṁsāra
In this state of being or another.

Having understood the danger thus—
That craving is the origin of suffering—
A bhikkhu should wander mindfully,
Free from craving, without grasping.

- Translator: John D. Ireland

- Editor: Bhikkhu Sujato

---

The Fetter of Craving

This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.
“Mendicants, I do not see a single fetter, fettered by which people wander and transmigrate for a long time like the fetter of craving.
Fettered by craving, people wander and transmigrate for a long time.”
The Buddha spoke this matter.
On this it is said:
“Craving is a person’s partner
as they transmigrate on this long journey.
They go from this state to another,
but don’t escape transmigration.
Knowing this danger,
that craving is the cause of suffering—
rid of craving, free of grasping,
a mendicant would wander mindful.”
This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.