SN 45-56 The Group of Connected Discourses on the Path – Mahāvaggasaṁyutta > SN 56 Linked Discourses on the Truths – Saccasaṁyutta > SN 56.53 Where the Waters Flow Together (1st)

Linked Discourses 56.53 – Saṁyutta Nikāya 56.53

6. Comprehension – 6. Abhisamayavagga

SN 56.53 Where the Waters Flow Together (1st) – Paṭhamasambhejjasutta

“Bhikkhū, there are places where the great rivers—the Ganges, Yamuna, Aciravatī, Sarabhū, and Mahī—come together and converge.

“Seyyathāpi, bhikkhave, yatthimā mahānadiyo saṁsandanti samenti, seyyathidaṁ—

Suppose a person was to draw two or three drops of water from such a place.

gaṅgā, yamunā, aciravatī, sarabhū, mahī, tato puriso dve vā tīṇi vā udakaphusitāni uddhareyya.

What do you think, bhikkhū?

Taṁ kiṁ maññatha, bhikkhave,

Which is more: the two or three drops drawn out or the water in the confluence?”

katamaṁ nu kho bahutaraṁ—yāni dve vā tīṇi vā udakaphusitāni ubbhatāni, yaṁ vā sambhejjaudakan”ti?

“Sir, the water in the confluence is certainly more. The two or three drops drawn out are tiny.

“Etadeva, bhante, bahutaraṁ, yadidaṁ—saṁbhejjaudakaṁ; appamattakāni dve vā tīṇi vā udakaphusitāni ubbhatāni.

Compared to the water in the confluence, it doesn’t count, there’s no comparison, it’s not worth a fraction.”

Saṅkhampi na upenti, upanidhampi na upenti, kalabhāgampi na upenti saṁbhejjaudakaṁ upanidhāya dve vā tīṇi vā udakaphusitāni ubbhatānī”ti.

“In the same way, for a noble disciple …

“Evameva kho, bhikkhave, ariyasāvakassa …pe…

That’s why you should practice meditation …”

yogo karaṇīyo”ti.