Craving is Like an Unpaid Debt

“Why do we say that craving is like an unpaid debt? Oh good man! For example, as in the case of a poor woman who has borrowed money from others and has to pay off the debt owed. She wishes to pay but cannot. She is sent to prison and cannot get free. The same is the case with Sravakas and Pratyekabuddhas. As there is a remaining taint of craving, they cannot attain unsurpassed Enlightenment. Oh good man! This is why we say it is like an unpaid debt.”

Read More on the Nirvana Sutra, Chapter 20 - On Holy Actions 2.