Malavagga · Defilements · Gāthā 251

Natthi rāgasamo aggi, natthi dosasamo gaho; natthi mohasamaṃ jālaṃ, natthi taṇhāsamā nadī.

Natthi rāgasamo aggi, natthi dosasamo gaho; natthi mohasamaṃ jālaṃ, natthi taṇhāsamā nadī.

There is no fire like passion, no grip like hatred, no net like delusion, no river like craving.

Natthi rāgasamo aggi — there is no fire like passion: rāga as a fire that consumes from within. This verse is a variation of 202, with different images for the same impurities.

Natthi dosasamo gaho — there is no grip like hatred: gaha is the grip, the claw, the hold. Hatred seizes the mind like a claw that does not let go. Its nature is constrictive, imprisoning.

Natthi mohasamaṃ jālaṃ — there is no net like delusion: moha is delusion, confusion, ignorance. Jāla is the net, the trap. Delusion traps because one does not even see the net. Other impurities are at least felt; delusion operates in darkness.

Natthi taṇhāsamā nadī — there is no river like craving: taṇhā as a river that carries away. The river is the metaphor for the force of desire: continuous, powerful, difficult to cross, capable of carrying everything in its current.