The occasion arose in Sāvatthī. One day, the matted-hair brahmin Jaṭā Bhāradvāja approached the Blessed One. After arriving, he exchanged greetings with the Blessed One. After cordial greetings, he sat to one side. Once seated, the matted-hair brahmin Jaṭā Bhāradvāja addressed the Blessed One in verse:

"The inner knot and outer knot,  

This generation is entangled in knots;  

I ask you, Gotama,  

Who can untie this knot?"

The Blessed One replied:

"A monk who is virtuous and wise,  

Who develops mind and wisdom;  

Who is ardent and careful,  

He can untie this knot.

Those in whom lust, hatred and delusion  

Have been completely eliminated;  

The arahants with defilements destroyed,  

For them the knot is untied.

Where name-and-form  

Cease without remainder;  

And resistance and perception of form -  

Here the knot is cut."

Having heard this, the matted-hair brahmin Jaṭā Bhāradvāja said to the Blessed One: "Excellent, Master Gotama..." (middle section omitted) Later, Venerable Bhāradvāja became one of the arahants.

The essence of this sutta lies in discussing how to untie various "knots" (attachments and defilements) in life. The Blessed One points out that through maintaining precepts, developing wisdom, eliminating greed, hatred and delusion, and finally reaching the cessation of name-and-form, one can untie all bonds.

This sutta deeply expounds on life's core issues and the path to liberation, analyzed in layers:

1. The Problem:

The brahmin raises the concept of "inner and outer knots," referring to internal afflictions and external disturbances. These "knots" entangle beings, preventing true freedom and liberation. This question touches upon humanity's fundamental predicament.

2. The Solution:

The Buddha's answer contains three levels:

   1) Foundation of Practice: Maintaining precepts, developing mind and wisdom, being ardent and careful. This is the starting point of liberation, emphasizing moral cultivation and wisdom development.

   2) Eliminating Root Afflictions: Removing greed, hatred, and delusion. This is deeper practice, pointing to the source of afflictions.

   3) Final Liberation: Cessation of name-and-form, ending of duality and form-perception. This is the highest state, pointing to enlightenment beyond dualistic thinking.

3. Immediate Effect:

The brahmin's immediate understanding and eventual attainment of arahantship demonstrates the immediacy and universal applicability of the Dhamma.

Deep Reflections:

1. Life's "Knots": We are all entangled by various "knots" - attachment to material things, pursuit of fame and gain, or inner fears and anxieties. Recognizing these "knots" is the first step toward liberation.

2. Path to Untying: The Buddha's solution starts with everyday practice of precepts, gradually elevating to mental purification. This reminds us that liberation requires continuous effort.

3. Ultimate Liberation: Though the state of ceased name-and-form and ended duality seems distant for most, it indicates the highest state human consciousness can achieve.

4. The Present Moment: The brahmin's immediate realization reminds us that enlightenment isn't in the distant future but in the present moment.

This sutta inspires us to contemplate: How do we identify and untie our own "knots" in daily life? How do we maintain practice amid busy lives? How do we maintain mindfulness when facing difficulties? Through continuous contemplation and practice of these questions, each of us can gain deeper wisdom and greater freedom on our life path.