3.
The First Discourse on Beings
63.
Thus have I heard -
On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Sāvatthī in Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's park.
Now at that time the people of Sāvatthī for the most part were attached to sensual pleasures for a protracted time, lustful, greedy, bound, infatuated, immersed, become intoxicated, dwelling in sensual pleasures.
Then several monks, having dressed in the earlier period of the day, taking their bowls and robes, entered Sāvatthī for almsfood. Having walked for almsfood in Sāvatthī, after the meal, having returned from their alms round, they approached the Blessed One; having approached, they paid respect to the Blessed One and sat down to one side. Seated to one side, those monks said this to the Blessed One - "Here, venerable sir, the people of Sāvatthī for the most part are attached to sensual pleasures for a protracted time, lustful, greedy, bound, infatuated, immersed, become intoxicated, dwelling in sensual pleasures."
Then the Blessed One, having understood this matter, at that time uttered this inspired utterance -
Not seeing the fault in the fetter;
For surely those attached by attachment to fetters,
Would never cross the flood, vast and great." The third.