By what is the world held in bondage? What is its means of locomotion? By the abandoning of what, is every bond cut?

SN 1.65  Bandhana sutta - Bondage

“Kiṁsu sambandhano loko,
kiṁsu tassa vicāraṇaṁ;
Kissassu vippahānena,
sabbaṁ chindati bandhanan”ti.

“By what is the world held in bondage?
What is its means of locomotion?
By the abandoning of what,
is every bond cut?”

“Nandīsambandhano loko,
vitakkassa vicāraṇaṁ;
Taṇhāya vippahānena,
sabbaṁ chindati bandhanan”ti.

“The world is held in bondage by |delight::pleasure, enjoyment, relish [nandi]|,
thought is its means of locomotion;
It is by the abandoning of |craving::wanting, yearning, longing, attachment, lit. thirst [taṇhā]|,
that every bond is cut.”

Qualities:

Craving

Craving

A driving ‘thirst’ that reaches out toward experiences, identities, or outcomes as the place to find satisfaction—“if only I had that.” It spins stories of lack, binds the mind to becoming, and invariably leads to suffering.

Also known as: wanting, yearning, longing, lit. thirst
Pāli: taṇha, abhijjhā
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Delight

Delight

A mental quality of relishing and taking pleasure in what is experienced—especially in sensuality or the prospect of continued becoming. When it fastens onto gratification, it nourishes craving and keeps the mind circling around what it wants to experience again.

Also known as: relishing, enjoyment, taking pleasure
Pāli: nandi
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Last updated on January 26, 2026