{"collection":"Khuddaka Nikaya","full_text_available":true,"graph_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/v2/api/page/suttacentral_iti109/graph","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/v2/page/suttacentral_iti109","id":"suttacentral_iti109","license":"CC0","rights_basis":"suttacentral_bilara_data_cc0","source":"suttacentral","source_url":"https://suttacentral.net/iti109/en/sujato","summary":null,"tags":["Early Buddhist Texts","Khuddaka Nikaya"],"text":"This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard. \u201cSuppose a person was being carried along by a river current that seemed nice and pleasant. If a person with clear eyes saw them, they\u2019d say: \u2018My 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.\u2019 Then, when they heard what was said, they\u2019d paddle against the stream using their hands and feet. I\u2019ve made up this simile to make a point. And this is the point. \u2018River current\u2019 is a term for craving. \u2018Seeming nice and pleasant\u2019 is a term for the six interior sense fields. \u2018A downstream lake\u2019 is a term for the five lower fetters. \u2018Danger of waves\u2019 is a term for anger and distress. \u2018Whirlpool\u2019 is a term for the five kinds of sensual stimulation. \u2018Saltwater crocodiles and monsters\u2019 is a term for ladies. \u2018Against the stream\u2019 is a term for renunciation. \u2018Paddling with hands and feet\u2019 is a term for rousing energy. \u2018A person with clear eyes\u2019 is a term for the Realized One, the perfected one, the fully awakened Buddha.\u201d The Buddha spoke this matter. On this it is said: \u201cIn pain they\u2019d give up sensual pleasures, aspiring to the future sanctuary from the yoke. With deep understanding and heart well freed, they\u2019d experience universal liberation. That knowledge master <j>who has completed the spiritual journey, and gone to the end of the world, <j>is called \u2018one who has gone beyond\u2019.\u201d This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.","title":"A River","tradition":"Khuddaka Nikaya","translated_text":null,"word_count":286}