法苑珠林 48.8

48.8

又法句喻經云。佛問象師。調象之法有幾。答曰。有三。何謂為三。一者剛鉤鉤口著其羈靽。二者減食常令飢瘦。三者捶杖加其楚痛。由鐵鉤鉤口故以制強口。由不與食飲故以制身獷。由加捶杖故以伏其心。佛告居士。吾亦有三用調一切。亦以自調得至無為。一者以至誠故制御口患。二者以慈貞故伏身剛強。三者以智慧故滅意癡蓋。持是三事度脫一切離三惡道。

Furthermore, the Dharmapada-avadāna Sūtra states: The Buddha asked an elephant trainer, "How many methods are there for taming elephants?" He replied, "There are three. What are the three? First, using an iron hook to hook the mouth and fastening on a halter; second, reducing food to keep it constantly hungry and lean; third, applying the stick and cane to inflict pain. Because an iron hook hooks the mouth, its stubborn mouth is curbed. Because food and drink are withheld, its wild body is controlled. Because the stick and cane are applied, its mind is subdued." The Buddha said to the householder, "I also have three [methods] with which I tame all [beings], and by which I also tame myself to attain unconditioned reality (asaṃskṛta). First, through utmost sincerity, I govern afflictions of speech. Second, through benevolence and chastity, I subdue physical stubbornness. Third, through wisdom, I extinguish the covering of delusion in the mind. Holding to these three matters, I liberate all [beings], causing them to leave the three wretched realms."