The body of the Tathāgata, whose craving (taṇhā: thirst that leads to renewed existence) for any further becoming has been cut off, still remains. Gods and humans behold the Tathāgata for as long as the body of the Tathāgata persists. But when that body breaks up at the ending of life, gods and humans will see the Tathāgata no more.
Monks, just as when a cluster of mangoes is severed from the stalk, whichever fruit remains attached to the stalk goes along with it—so too, monks, the body of the Tathāgata, with the craving (taṇhā) that would lead to future birth cut off, continues for a time. Gods and humans behold the Tathāgata for as long as the body of the Tathāgata remains; but when that body breaks up at the ending of life, gods and humans will not see the Tathāgata.
When the Blessed One had spoken thus, the Venerable Ānanda said, “Wonderful, Lord! Most extraordinary, Lord! What is the name of this Dhamma exposition, Blessed One?”
The Blessed One said: “Ānanda, therefore you may remember this Dhamma exposition as the Net of Meaning (Atthajāla), or as the Net of Dhamma (Dhammajāla), or as the Divine Net (Brahmajāla), or as the Net of Views (Diṭṭhijāla), or even as the Supreme Victory in Battle (Parama-vijaya-saṅgāma).”
When the Blessed One had finished speaking this discourse, the monks were uplifted in heart, delighted in the Blessed One’s words. And while the Blessed One was uttering this analytical exposition, the ten-thousand-fold world-system trembled and quaked.
Short Pāli Glossary (concise · intensive)
Tathāgata — “Thus-gone / Thus-come”; epithet of the Buddha, emphasizing perfect realization and liberation.
Taṇhā — craving, thirst; the driving force of rebirth and suffering.
Atthajāla — “Net of Meaning”; a teaching that gathers and explains many principles.
Dhammajāla — “Net of Dhamma”; an exposition that encompasses the Dhamma comprehensively.
Brahmajāla — “Divine Net”; a vast net of understanding covering sublime and profound principles.
Diṭṭhijāla — “Net of Views”; analysis of the various views that bind beings.
Parama-vijaya-saṅgāma — “Supreme Victory in Battle”; metaphor for the highest conquest over defilements.
Ānanda — the Buddha’s attendant, known for his exceptional memory and devotion.