The 125th discourse of the Majjhimanikāya. Jayasena visits the novice Aciravata at the Forest Hut in Veḷuvana and asks him to explain how a monk whose life is strenuous and purged of self can find peace in his heart.
At the end of Aciravata’s discourse, Jayasena leaves him, complaining that the matter is not at all clear to him.
Aciravata mentions the matter to the Buddha, who says that Jayasena cannot understand such matters, being too fond of pleasure, and undisciplined.
He illustrates his meaning by various examples, one being a description of the catching and taming of a wild elephant. M.iii.128 ff.