SN 45-56 The Group of Connected Discourses on the Path – Mahāvaggasaṁyutta > SN 56 Linked Discourses on the Truths – Saccasaṁyutta > SN 56.56 The Earth (2nd)

Linked Discourses 56.56 – Saṁyutta Nikāya 56.56

6. Comprehension – 6. Abhisamayavagga

SN 56.56 The Earth (2nd) – Dutiyamahāpathavīsutta

“Bhikkhū, suppose the great earth was worn away and eroded except for seven clay balls the size of jujube seeds.

“Seyyathāpi, bhikkhave, mahāpathavī parikkhayaṁ pariyādānaṁ gaccheyya ṭhapetvā satta kolaṭṭhimattiyo guḷikā.

What do you think, bhikkhū?

Taṁ kiṁ maññatha, bhikkhave,

Which is more: the great earth that has been worn away and eroded, or the seven clay balls the size of jujube seeds that are left?”

katamaṁ nu kho bahutaraṁ—yaṁ vā mahāpathaviyā parikkhīṇaṁ pariyādinnaṁ, yā vā satta kolaṭṭhimattiyo guḷikā avasiṭṭhā”ti?

“Sir, the great earth that has been worn away and eroded is certainly more. The seven clay balls the size of jujube seeds are tiny.

“Etadeva, bhante, bahutaraṁ mahāpathaviyā yadidaṁ parikkhīṇaṁ pariyādinnaṁ; appamattikā satta kolaṭṭhimattiyo guḷikā avasiṭṭhā.

Compared to the great earth that has been worn away and eroded, they don’t count, there’s no comparison, they’re not worth a fraction.”

Saṅkhampi na upenti, upanidhampi na upenti, kalabhāgampi na upenti mahāpathaviyā parikkhīṇaṁ pariyādinnaṁ upanidhāya satta kolaṭṭhimattiyo guḷikā avasiṭṭhā”ti.

“In the same way, for a noble disciple …

“Evameva kho, bhikkhave, ariyasāvakassa …pe…

That’s why you should practice meditation …”

yogo karaṇīyo”ti.