1.
The Discourse on Crossing the Flood
1.
Thus have I heard -
On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Sāvatthī in Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's park.
Then a certain deity, when the night was far advanced, with surpassing beauty, having illuminated almost the entire Jeta's Grove, approached the Blessed One;
having approached, he paid respect to the Blessed One and stood to one side.
Standing to one side, that deity said this to the Blessed One -
"How did you, sir, cross the flood?"
"Without standing still, friend, without striving, I crossed the flood."
"But in what way did you, sir, without standing still, without striving, cross the flood?"
"When I stood still, friend, then I sank;
when I strived, friend, then I was swept away.
Thus, friend, without standing still, without striving, I crossed the flood."
Without standing still, without striving, one who has crossed over attachment in the world." -
This that deity said. The Teacher was approving. Then that deity - "The Teacher approves of me," having paid respect to the Blessed One and circumambulated him keeping him on his right, disappeared right there.