The Related Suttas Collection 47.51–62

6. Abbreviated Texts on the Ganges

Twelve Discourses on the Ganges River, Etc.

“Bhikkhus, the Ganges river slants, slopes, and inclines to the east. In the same way, a bhikkhu who develops and cultivates the four kinds of mindfulness meditation slants, slopes, and inclines to Nibbana.

And how does a bhikkhu who develops the four kinds of mindfulness meditation slant, slope, and incline to Nibbana? It’s when a bhikkhu meditates by watching, again and again, an aspect of the body—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of covetousness and displeasure for the world. They meditate watching, again and again, an aspect of feelings … mind … principles—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of covetousness and displeasure for the world.

That’s how a bhikkhu who develops and cultivates the four kinds of mindfulness meditation slants, slopes, and inclines to Nibbana.”

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.