The Ganges River, Etc. (SN51.33-44)

Linked Discourses 51.33–44

4. Abbreviated Texts on the Ganges

The Ganges River, Etc.

“Mendicants, the Ganges River slants, slopes, and inclines to the east.

In the same way, a mendicant who develops and cultivates the four bases of psychic power slants, slopes, and inclines to extinguishment.

And how does a mendicant who develops the four bases of psychic power slant, slope, and incline to extinguishment?

It’s when a mendicant develops the basis of psychic power that has immersion due to enthusiasm …

energy …

mental development …

inquiry, and active effort.

That’s how a mendicant who develops and cultivates the four bases of psychic power slants, slopes, and inclines to extinguishment.”

Six on slanting to the east,

and six on slanting to the ocean;

these two sixes make twelve,

and that’s how this chapter is recited.