SN 45-56 The Group of Connected Discourses on the Path – Mahāvaggasaṁyutta > SN 56 Linked Discourses on the Truths – Saccasaṁyutta > SN 56.58 The Ocean (2nd)

Linked Discourses 56.58 – Saṁyutta Nikāya 56.58

6. Comprehension – 6. Abhisamayavagga

SN 56.58 The Ocean (2nd) – Dutiyamahāsamuddasutta

“Bhikkhū, suppose the water in the ocean dried up and evaporated except for two or three drops.

“Seyyathāpi, bhikkhave, mahāsamudde 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 ocean that has dried up and evaporated, or the two or three drops left?”

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

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

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

Compared to the water in the ocean 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 mahāsamudde udakaṁ 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.