SN 51.33–44 — 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. The Chapter on Diligence