SN2_5: Dāmali Sutta

“This should be done
by the brahman
exerting himself relentlessly:
Abandoning sensuality,
he should not, through that,
wish for becoming.”

“For the brahman, there’s no duty,
[Dāmali,” said the Blessed One,]
“for the brahman’s duty is done.
As long as he hasn’t gained a footing in the river,
a man will strain with all his limbs.
But when he’s gained a footing
and is standing on firm ground,
he doesn’t strain, for he’s gone
				beyond.

This, Dāmali, is a simile
for the brahman—effluents ended,
masterful, doing jhāna:
Having reached the end
of birth & death,
he doesn’t strain, for he’s gone
				beyond.”