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 is what that deity said, and the Teacher approved. Then that deity, thinking, "The Teacher has approved of me," paid respect to the Blessed One, circumambulated him keeping him on his right, and disappeared right there.