Buddhism · Sutta Pitaka · Minor Collection (Khuddaka)
Iti 109A River · Nadīsotasutta
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Buddhism · Sutta Pitaka · Minor Collection (Khuddaka)
Iti 109
A River · Nadīsotasutta
EnglishEnglish
PāliPali
This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.
Vuttañhetaṁ bhagavatā vuttamarahatāti me sutaṁ:
“Suppose a person was being carried along by a river current that seemed nice and pleasant. If a person with clear eyes saw them, they’d say: ‘My man, even though the river current carrying you along seems nice and pleasant, downstream there is a lake with waves and whirlpools, saltwater crocodiles and monsters. When you reach there it will result in death or deadly pain.’ Then, when they heard what was said, they’d paddle against the stream using their hands and feet.
‘Paddling with hands and feet’ is a term for rousing energy.
‘Hatthehi ca pādehi ca vāyāmo’ti kho, bhikkhave, vīriyārambhassetaṁ adhivacanaṁ.
‘A person with clear eyes’ is a term for the Realized One, the perfected one, the fully awakened Buddha.” The Buddha spoke this matter. On this it is said:
“In pain they’d give up sensual pleasures, aspiring to the future sanctuary from the yoke. With deep understanding and heart well freed, they’d experience universal liberation. That knowledge master who has completed the spiritual journey, and gone to the end of the world, is called ‘one who has gone beyond’.”
