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← Saṃyutta Nikāya

The Ocean (2nd)

SN 56.58 · Dutiyamahāsamuddasutta

Wild violet irises at the edge of a marsh.

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

What do you think, mendicants? Which is more: the water in the ocean that has dried up and evaporated, or the two or three drops left?”

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

“In the same way, for a noble disciple …

That’s why you should practice meditation …”

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Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato · SuttaCentral · CC0

This translation is an expression of an ancient spiritual text that has been passed down by the Buddhist tradition for the benefit of all sentient beings. It is dedicated to the public domain via Creative Commons Zero (CC0). You are encouraged to copy, reproduce, adapt, alter, or otherwise make use of this translation. The translator respectfully requests that any use be in accordance with the values and principles of the Buddhist community. In particular, please do not use this work in AI training datasets, for the development of any AI model or algorithm, or in any AI-derived technologies.

Published source. Translation wording and order are preserved; source headings and notes are retained, with navigation and formatting adapted for this reader.

The opening image is AI-generated nature artwork for Buddhist Atlas, an evocative companion rather than a historical depiction.