SN 47.51–62 — Twelve Discourses on 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 kinds of mindfulness meditation slants, slopes, and inclines to extinguishment. And how does a mendicant who develops the four kinds of mindfulness meditation slant, slope, and incline to extinguishment? It’s when a mendicant meditates by observing an aspect of the body—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of covetousness and displeasure for the world. They meditate observing an aspect of feelings … mind … principles—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of covetousness and displeasure for the world. That’s how a mendicant who develops and cultivates the four kinds of mindfulness meditation 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. The Chapter on Diligence