I found this quote in the book ‘Slavery in Ancient India’ by Dev Raj Chanana, 1960:
“A slave, enjoying himself on a festival day, leaves everything and goes running to where he is told to go (by his master) on hearing that something urgent has got to be done, and that he must go there at once, failing which his hands, feet, ears or nose may be cut. Such a slave has no idea of the beginning, middle or end of the festival day.”
The author attributes this quote to Majjhima Nikaya, 29.
However, I am unable to find this, or even anything remotely similar, in Majjhima Nikaya or any other ancient Buddhist text. Would be grateful for any lead! Thank you!
Tony
Perhaps it should be MN39?
https://suttacentral.net/mn39/en/sujato#14.18
14.18Suppose a person was a bondservant. They would not be their own master, but indentured to another, unable to go where they wish. 14.19But after some time they’d be freed from servitude. They would be their own master, not indentured to another, an emancipated individual able to go where they wish. 14.20Thinking about this, 14.2114.22they’d be filled with joy and happiness.
The specific quote you give doesn’t ring any bells. None of the bondservants (dāsa) entries in the CIPS are any closer.
I can’t figure out a citation system where 29 could be swapped with 29. In the bibliography does he give his source for the MN?
Welcome to the forum!
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Thank you, Snowbird! The bibliography says "Majjhima Nikaya edited by V. Trenckner (Vol.1) and Lord Chalmers (Vol. II and III). (English Translation by Lord Chalmers, volumes 1-3. ).
Many thanks for the Sutta you have quoted!
Cheers
Tony
This would appear to be it. But I can’t find that quote.
Thanks! He must have made a mistake somewhere, I guess 
Tony
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Good morning, Snowbird. I seem to have found something close to what I was looking for. It is in Dhammapada Atthakatha 17.3, and goes like this:
"The rich man Sumana heard this proclamation; and when Puṇṇa came to him early the following morning, he addressed him, saying: “My man, our servants want to make holiday; will you make holiday, or will you work for hire?” Puṇṇa replied: “Master, a holiday is for the rich; I have not even enough rice in my house for tomorrow’s porridge; what business have I making holiday? I will take my oxen and go plow…”
https://ancient-buddhist-texts.net/English-Texts/Dhamma-Verses-Comm/17-03.htm
Thank you!
Tony
The author describes it as “a free rendering of a commentary passage”. The source is actually the simile for the hindrance of restlessness and remorse in the commentary to MN39.
Yathā pana nakkhattaṃ kīḷantopi dāso, ‘‘idaṃ nāma accāyikaṃ karaṇīyaṃ atthi, sīghaṃ, tattha gaccha, no ce gacchasi, hatthapādaṃ vā te chindāmi kaṇṇanāsaṃ vā’’ti vutto sīghaṃ gacchatiyeva, nakkhattassa ādimajjhapariyosānaṃ anubhavituṃ na labhati. Kasmā? Parādhīnatāya. Evamevaṃ vinaye appakataññunā vivekatthāya araññaṃ paviṭṭhenāpi kismiñcideva antamaso kappiyamaṃsepi akappiyamaṃsasaññāya uppannāya vivekaṃ pahāya sīlavisodhanatthaṃ vinayadharassa santike gantabbaṃ hoti. Vivekasukhaṃ anubhavituṃ na labhati. Kasmā? Uddhaccakukkuccābhibhūtatāyāti, evaṃ dāsabyaṃ viya uddhaccakukkuccaṃ daṭṭabbaṃ.
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