The teaching is a raft: for crossing over, not for holding on.

What it means

A man builds a raft to cross a river, then leaves it on the shore instead of carrying it on his head. Teachings are tools to get you somewhere, not things to cling to. Use what helps, then put it down.

The source

"The teaching is a raft: for crossing over, not for holding on." The Buddha said it in Alagaddūpama Sutta (Majjhima Nikāya 22). Translated from the original Pali by Spartan Surfers.

"Kullūpamaṁ vo, bhikkhave, dhammaṁ desessāmi nittharaṇatthāya, no gahaṇatthāya."

Original Pali, Alagaddūpama Sutta (Majjhima Nikāya 22). Text read at suttacentral.net.

Who said it

The Buddha (c. 5th century BC). Siddhattha Gotama, the teacher from northern India whose path of insight and practice became Buddhism. His sayings survive in the Pali Canon, including the Dhammapada.

Questions

What does "The teaching is a raft: for crossing over, not for holding on." mean?

A man builds a raft to cross a river, then leaves it on the shore instead of carrying it on his head. Teachings are tools to get you somewhere, not things to cling to. Use what helps, then put it down.

Who said "The teaching is a raft: for crossing over, not for holding on."?

The Buddha (c. 5th century BC). Source: Alagaddūpama Sutta (Majjhima Nikāya 22).

What is the original Pali?

Kullūpamaṁ vo, bhikkhave, dhammaṁ desessāmi nittharaṇatthāya, no gahaṇatthāya. Translated from the original Pali by Spartan Surfers.

Is "The teaching is a raft: for crossing over, not for holding on." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"The teaching is a raft: for crossing over, not for holding on." (The Buddha, Alagaddūpama Sutta (Majjhima Nikāya 22), translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/the-teaching-is-a-raft-for-crossing-over