SN 45-56 The Group of Connected Discourses on the Path – Mahāvaggasaṁyutta > SN 56 Linked Discourses on the Truths – Saccasaṁyutta > SN 56.54 Where the Waters Flow Together (2nd)

Linked Discourses 56.54 – Saṁyutta Nikāya 56.54

6. Comprehension – 6. Abhisamayavagga

SN 56.54 Where the Waters Flow Together (2nd) – Dutiyasambhejjasutta

“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 that water dried up and evaporated except for two or three drops.

gaṅgā, yamunā, aciravatī, sarabhū, mahī, taṁ udakaṁ parikkhayaṁ pariyādānaṁ gaccheyya, ṭhapetvā dve vā tīṇi vā udakaphusitāni.

What do you think, bhikkhū?

Taṁ kiṁ maññatha, bhikkhave,

Which is more: the water in the confluence that has dried up and evaporated, or the two or three drops left?”

katamaṁ nu kho bahutaraṁ—yaṁ vā saṁbhejjaudakaṁ parikkhīṇaṁ pariyādinnaṁ, yāni dve vā tīṇi vā udakaphusitāni avasiṭṭhānī”ti?

“Sir, the water in the confluence that has dried up and evaporated is certainly more. The two or three drops left are tiny.

“Etadeva, bhante, bahutaraṁ saṁbhejjaudakaṁ yadidaṁ parikkhīṇaṁ pariyādinnaṁ; appamattakāni dve vā tīṇi vā udakaphusitāni avasiṭṭhāni.

Compared to the water in the confluence that has dried up and evaporated, it doesn’t count, there’s no comparison, it’s not worth a fraction.”

Saṅkhampi na upenti, upanidhampi na upenti, kalabhāgampi na upenti saṁbhejjaudakaṁ parikkhīṇaṁ pariyādinnaṁ upanidhāya dve vā tīṇi vā udakaphusitāni avasiṭṭhānī”ti.

“In the same way, for a noble disciple …

“Evameva kho, bhikkhave, ariyasāvakassa …pe…

That’s why you should practice meditation …”

yogo karaṇīyo”ti.