Saṁyutta Nikāya 56.53
Translators: sujato
Linked Discourses 56.53
6. Abhisamayavagga
6. Comprehension
Paṭhamasambhejjasutta
Where the Waters Flow Together (1st)
“Seyyathāpi, bhikkhave, yatthimā mahānadiyo saṁsandanti samenti, seyyathidaṁ—
“Mendicants, there are places where the great rivers—the Ganges, Yamuna, Aciravatī, Sarabhū, and Mahī—come together and converge.
gaṅgā, yamunā, aciravatī, sarabhū, mahī, tato puriso dve vā tīṇi vā udakaphusitāni uddhareyya.
Suppose a person was to draw two or three drops of water from such a place.
Taṁ kiṁ maññatha, bhikkhave,
What do you think, mendicants?
katamaṁ nu kho bahutaraṁ—yāni dve vā tīṇi vā udakaphusitāni ubbhatāni, yaṁ vā sambhejjaudakan”ti?
Which is more: the two or three drops drawn out or the water in the confluence?”
“Etadeva, bhante, bahutaraṁ, yadidaṁ—saṁbhejjaudakaṁ; appamattakāni dve vā tīṇi vā udakaphusitāni ubbhatāni.
“Sir, the water in the confluence is certainly more. The two or three drops drawn out are tiny.
Saṅkhampi na upenti, upanidhampi na upenti, kalabhāgampi na upenti saṁbhejjaudakaṁ upanidhāya dve vā tīṇi vā udakaphusitāni ubbhatānī”ti.
Compared to the water in the confluence, it doesn’t count, there’s no comparison, it’s not worth a fraction.”
“Evameva kho, bhikkhave, ariyasāvakassa …pe…
“In the same way, for a noble disciple …
yogo karaṇīyo”ti.
That’s why you should practice meditation …”
Tatiyaṁ.