[316] Bhikkhus, if a wise, competent, intelligent person examines it by way of the eye, it appears as void indeed, it appears as hollow indeed, it appears as empty indeed. Bhikkhus, if a wise, competent, intelligent person examines it by way of the ear, it appears as void indeed, it appears as hollow indeed, it appears as empty indeed. Bhikkhus, if a wise, competent, intelligent person examines it by way of the nose, it appears as void indeed, it appears as hollow indeed, it appears as empty indeed. Bhikkhus, if by way of the tongue … Bhikkhus, if by way of the body … Bhikkhus, if a wise, competent, intelligent person examines it by way of the mind, it appears as void indeed, it appears as hollow indeed, it appears as empty indeed.
"Village-slaying thieves," bhikkhus: this is a designation for the six external sense bases (āyatana). The eye, bhikkhus, is struck by agreeable and disagreeable forms. The ear, bhikkhus … The nose, bhikkhus … The tongue, bhikkhus, is struck by agreeable and disagreeable tastes. The body, bhikkhus … The mind, bhikkhus, is struck by agreeable and disagreeable dhammas.
"The great expanse of water," bhikkhus: this is a designation for the four floods (ogha) — the flood of sensuality, the flood of existence, the flood of views, and the flood of ignorance. "The near shore, perilous and fearful," bhikkhus: this is a designation for identity (sakkāya). "The far shore, safe and free from peril," bhikkhus: this is a designation for Nibbāna. "The raft," bhikkhus: this is a designation for the Noble Eightfold Path (magga), that is: right view … right concentration. "Striving with hands and feet," bhikkhus: this is a designation for the arousing of energy (vīriyārambha). "Crossed over, gone beyond, the brahmin stands on dry land," bhikkhus: this is a designation for the arahant.
The first.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.