The attentive say that shackle is not strong

that’s made of iron, wood, or knots.

But obsession with jeweled earrings,

concern for your partners and children:

this, say the attentive, is a strong shackle

dragging the indulgent down, hard to escape.

Having cut this one too they go forth,

unconcerned, having given up sensual pleasures.

Besotted by lust they fall into the stream,

like a spider caught in the web she wove.

The attentive proceed, having cut this one too,

unconcerned, having given up all suffering.

Let go of the past, let go of the future,

let go of the present, having gone beyond rebirth.

With your heart freed in every respect,

you’ll not come again to rebirth and old age.

For a personage churned by thoughts,

very lustful, focusing on beauty,

their craving grows and grows,

tying them with a stout bond.