The Buddha describes the eight ways in which a woman binds a man.

AN 8.17  Paṭhamabandhana sutta - Bond (First)

“Aṭṭhahi, bhikkhave, ākārehi itthī purisaṁ bandhati. Katamehi aṭṭhahi?

“Bhikkhus, a woman binds a man in eight ways. What eight?

Ruṇṇena, bhikkhave, itthī purisaṁ bandhati;hasitena, bhikkhave, itthī purisaṁ bandhati;
bhaṇitena, bhikkhave, itthī purisaṁ bandhati;
ākappena, bhikkhave, itthī purisaṁ bandhati;
vanabhaṅgena, bhikkhave, itthī purisaṁ bandhati;
gandhena, bhikkhave, itthī purisaṁ bandhati;
rasena, bhikkhave, itthī purisaṁ bandhati;
phassena, bhikkhave, itthī purisaṁ bandhati.

1.) A woman binds a man with crying;
2.) A woman binds a man with |laughter::smile [hasita]|;
3.) A woman binds a man with |talk::speech [bhaṇita]|;
4.) A woman binds a man with |deportment::conduct, behavior [ākappa]|;
5.) A woman binds a man with a |gift::a present such as flowers or fruits, lit. broken off from the wood [vanabhaṅga]|;
6.) A woman binds a man with |scent::fragrance [gandha]|;
7.) A woman binds a man with |taste::flavor [rasa]|;
8.) A woman binds a man with touch.

Imehi kho, bhikkhave, aṭṭhahākārehi itthī purisaṁ bandhati. Te, bhikkhave, sattā subaddhā, ye phassena baddhā”ti.

These, bhikkhus, are the eight ways in which a woman binds a man. And, bhikkhus, those beings who are bound by touch are thoroughly bound.”

Qualities:

Attachment

Attachment

A mental fastening onto people, things, views, or states as “me” or “mine,” unwilling to release them. This clinging can give a sense of security and sweetness.

Also known as: acquisition, bond, clinging, grasping, holding on, possession, entanglement, bound, connected, taking as mine
Pāli: upadhi, upādāna, sakiñcana, mamatta
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Last updated on June 7, 2026