Nirvana shares one quality with the lotus, two with water, three with medicine, ten with space, and five with a mountain peak.

As the lotus is unstained by water, so is Nirvana unstained by all the defilements. As cool water allays feverish heat, so also Nirvana is cool and allays the fever of all passions.

Moreover, as water removes the thirst of humans and animals who are exhausted, parched, thirsty, and overpowered by heat, so also Nirvana removes craving for sensuous enjoyments, the craving for further becoming, the craving for cessation of becoming.

As medicine protects from the torments of poison, so Nirvana eases the torments of poisonous passions.

Moreover, as medicine puts an end to sickness, so Nirvana puts an end to all sufferings. Finally Nirvana and medicine both give security.