**Quicksand similes / references**

Following are the only [2 Quicksand][1] references as per SC.

> Attaining true liberation /
​is just like this:
once rid of afflictions, /
​the quicksand of desires,
no one knows /
​whither he went.

> - [Dabba enters Nirvāṇa][2]

And

> “Like as a strong man lends a helping hand
To weaker, sunk in mire or in quicksand:
So, Queen Pancati, thou hast saved me here,
With verses sung so sweetly in mine ear.”

[Hatthi-Pala Jātaka][3]

**one not having himself attained to liberation, is not qualified to liberate other.**

I am not sure if there is any reference like this as even in the time of the Buddha there were famous monks with liberated students where the teacher monk was not liberate.


  [1]: https://suttacentral.net/search?query=Quicksand
  [2]: https://suttacentral.net/en/sa-2.15
  [3]: https://suttacentral.net/en/ja509