法苑珠林 48.8

48.8

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."