One in whom there is no net of sticky craving that could drag them anywhere, that Buddha of infinite range, trackless — by what path will you lead him?

Yassa jālinī visattikā taṇhā natthi — in whom there is no net of sticky craving: jālinī (net-like), visattikā (sticky, adhesive), taṇhā (craving, thirst). Three terms describing the same force — compulsive desire — from three angles: it catches like a net, it adheres like glue, it burns like thirst.

Kuhiñci netave — that could drag them anywhere: netave is to lead, drag. Ordinary desire “leads” us from one object to another, from one life to another. In the Buddha, this mechanism of dragging has completely ceased.

The repetition of the refrain (taṃ buddhamanantagocaraṃ apadaṃ kena padena nessatha) with different first part is a device of the Pāli canon. Verse 179 describes the Buddha’s victory; 180 describes the absence of craving. Both lead to the same conclusion: the Buddha is inconceivable to the ordinary mind.

The rhetorical question “by what path will you lead him?” does not seek to discourage but to inspire admiration. The Buddha has transcended every conceivable path. Following his teachings is not following his tracks (which do not exist) but awakening the same quality of vision.