[1509] "Suppose, Mahānāma, a man were to plunge into a deep pool of water and break open a pot of ghee or a pot of oil. Whatever gravel or potsherds were in it would sink downward, but whatever ghee or oil was in it would rise upward, going to distinction. In the same way, Mahānāma, when anyone's mind (citta) has long been fortified by faith (saddhā), a mind fortified by virtue (sīla), learning (suta), generosity (cāga), and wisdom (paññā), then as for this body of his — possessing form, composed of the four great elements, originating from mother and father, built up from boiled rice and porridge, subject to impermanence, to being anointed and rubbed, to breaking apart and dispersal — right here the crows devour it, or vultures devour it, or hawks devour it, or dogs devour it, or jackals devour it, or various kinds of living creatures devour it; but his mind, long fortified by faith, fortified by virtue, learning, generosity, and wisdom — that rises upward, goes to distinction. Now you, Mahānāma, have a mind long fortified by faith, a mind fortified by virtue, learning, generosity, and wisdom. Do not fear, Mahānāma! Do not fear, Mahānāma! Your death will not be a bad one; your passing away will not be bad."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.