snp.5.11 Suttanipata

“For those standing in the middle of a lake,” said venerable Kappa,
“when a fearful flood has arisen,
for those overcome by old age and death, speak about an island, dear Sir,
you must explain an island to me, so there will be no more after this.”

“For those standing in the middle of a lake, Kappa,” said the Gracious One,
“when a fearful flood has arisen,
for those overcome by old age and death, I speak about an island, Kappa:

“Having nothing, no attachment, this is the island with nothing beyond,
this is called Nibbāna, I say, the end of old age and death.

“Knowing this, those who are mindful, who are emancipated in this very life,
come not under Māra’s control, they are not servants to Māra.”

The Young Man Kappa’s Questions are Finished

Kappa
In midstream standing there,
in flood’s fearsome surge—
oppressed by age and death,
of the island tell me, sir,
do tell me of this isle,
where this will be no more.

Buddha
In midstream standing there,
in flood’s fearsome surge
oppressed by age and death, Kappa,
of the island I shall tell.

“Owning nothing and unattached”
that’s the isle of no-beyond,
Nirvāṇa do I call it
death-decay destroyed.

With Final Knowledge these mindful ones,
Now-seen the Dharma, cool-become,
they’re neither under Māra’s sway
nor Māra’s followers.