15. Dāso
The Slave
(2 Verses)
180 = Mhn 106 [stm.]
Antojāto dhanakkīto, dāsabyopagato sayaṁ,
dāsakaramarānīto, iccevaṁ catudhā siyuṁ. Mhn: dāso karamarānīto ’ccevaṁ te catudhā siyuṁ; same meaning. Cf. Bhikkhuni Pātimokkha, Ss 1: Dāso nāma antojāto dhanakkīto karamarānīto.
There are these four types (of slaves): one born in the home, one bought with wealth, one who has himself entered into slavery, a slave captured in war.
This verse lists four ways a person becomes a slave: first, by being born into servitude; second, by being purchased like a commodity; third, by voluntarily entering slavery, due to debt, destitution, or seeking protection; fourth, by being captured as a prisoner of war. What is absent is the category of individuals systematically captured and trafficked solely for commercial exploitation, the defining feature of the modern, plantation-based slave trade. The verse thus captures the paradigms of its era, where slavery was often integrated into existing social, penal or military frameworks.
181 = Mhn 107 [stm.]
Dāsā pañceva corayyasakhañātattasādisā,
tathā viññūhi viññeyyā mittā dārā ca bandhavā.
Slaves are of five (types): the same as thieves, masters, friends, relatives and oneself, so they should be understood by the wise, by a friend, by a wife and by a brother.
A slave can be like a thief, stealing from the household or shirking duties. They can be like a master, wielding undue influence or acting arrogantly. They can be a genuine friend, loyal and trustworthy. They can be like a relative, integrated with familial affection. Finally, they can be like oneself, meaning their interests are so aligned with the master’s that they act with the care of the owner. These types should be understood not only by the wise but also by key household figures as the slave’s behavior impacts the entire domestic sphere.