Oghatarana Sutta. Discourse on Crossing the Flood. Thus have I heard: Once the Bhagavā was residing at the Jetavana Monastery of Anāthapindika in Sāvatthi. Then, soon after the middle watch of the night, a certain deva of exceeding beauty approached the Bhagavā, illuminating the entire Jetavana Monastery. After paying homage to the Bhagavā, he stood at a suitable place. Thus standing, he addressed the Bhagavā: "Sir, how did you cross the flood?" "Friend, by not remaining still, and by not putting forth strenuous effort, I crossed the flood." "But Sir, in what way did you cross the flood, neither remaining still, nor putting forth strenuous effort?" "Friend, if I remain still, I sink; if I put forth strenuous effort, I drift. Thus, by neither remaining still nor putting forth strenuous effort, I crossed the flood." "In the sentient world, only after a long time do I see one in whom the āsavas are extinct, one in whom defilements have been e...
 
 
