Significance of Great oceans
The Great Ocean serves as a multifaceted metaphor across various spiritual traditions, symbolizing both the vastness of existence and the profound challenges faced in life. In Buddhism, it illustrates the immense goodness flowing from bodhicitta, while Jainism uses it to represent the complex journey of samsara. Vaishnavism reflects on the Great Ocean as a source of eternal bliss and divine encounters. Additionally, it signifies the overwhelming nature of life's trials across several contexts, ultimately portraying the breadth of spiritual experiences and realities.
Synonyms: Vast sea, Immense ocean, Expansive ocean, Mighty ocean, Sea, Deep sea, Wide ocean
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Great oceans'
The term "Great Ocean" (mahasamudra) in Buddhism symbolizes vast suffering in samsara, boundless wisdom, and the infinite spiritual journey. It conveys themes of compassion, stability, truth, and the immeasurable qualities of the Dharma and the Sangha.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The expansive body of water where various marine life, including the classified sizes of fish, interact and feed on each other.[1] (2) A metaphorical destination of ultimate reality or enlightenment one reaches by following the Dharma, akin to navigating the Ganges.[2] (3) Symbolizes wisdom or resources that are abundant and ever-present but not accessed by beings.[3] (4) A metaphor for the vast and profound nature of the noble Samgha's qualities.[4] (5) A metaphor for the limitless and boundless nature of beings, suggesting that their number is infinite.[5]
From: The Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A symbolic depiction of the vast and perilous challenges faced in life's journey, representing both physical and spiritual trials.[6] (2) Symbolizes the vast and perilous journey performed by the merchant Dharmalabdha as he seeks prosperity.[7] (3) A vast sea that serves as a barrier and setting for the merchants' journey.[8]
From: Buddhacarita
(1) A metaphorical representation of infinite desire, always yearning for more.[9]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) A metaphor describing the extensive and profound nature of Vimalakirti's knowledge and mind.[10]
From: The Perfection Of Wisdom In Eight Thousand Lines
(1) A representation of the vast and profound wisdom that one strives to attain.[11]
From: Karandavyuha Sutra
(1) Four great oceans originating from the right foot of Avalokiteshvara, metaphorically illustrating immense compassion.[12]
From: The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A metaphor illustrating the boundless nature of the Bodhisatta's spiritual journey, compared to the countless droplets of water in the ocean.[13] (2) The vast body of water that the animals were rushing towards out of fear, illustrating their lack of rational thought.[14] (3) The location where Venerable Samuddika Mahanaga was spending the day.[15] (4) Used metaphorically to illustrate the idea of measuring vast quantities, in this case, the immeasurable wisdom of the Buddha.[16] (5) Used figuratively to symbolize the vastness and immeasurability of enlightened actions or Perfections accumulated.[17]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) Symbolically represents the vastness and power of nature, which trembles in response to the extraordinary giving of King Vessantara.[18] (2) A large body of water that exhibits movement and sounds due to the powerful forces like wind.[19] (3) A metaphor used to illustrate the impartial and non-emotional nature of the Tathagatas in their decisions.[20] (4) Symbolizes the immense power of truth, as illustrated by a king who can influence it through an Act of Truth, showcasing the limits of physical capabilities compared to spiritual ones.[21]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) A metaphor used to illustrate stability and consistency in the dhamma, resembling the ocean's nature of not overflowing its margins.[22] (2) The vast body of water discussed in the text, characterized by its strange and wonderful attributes.[23]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) A metaphor used by the Blessed One to illustrate the vastness and deep qualities of the ocean, drawing parallels to the nature of the doctrine and discipline.[24]
From: The Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A vast body of water that the roc-king could divide with the force of its wings, illustrating its immense power.[25]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Used as an analogy to depict the immense reservoir of goodness flowing from bodhicitta.[26] (2) Symbolically represents the vastness of existence where the challenges of attaining human birth are visualized.[27]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A comparison made to describe the Land of Snows (Tibet) as vast and deserving of praise.[28]
Hindu concept of 'Great oceans'
In Hinduism, the "Great Ocean" symbolizes the profound nature of existence, embodying mystery, challenges, and cosmic events, while serving as a metaphor for spiritual knowledge, life's interconnectedness, and the vastness of divine interactions and narratives.
From: The Skanda Purana
(1) Symbolizing vastness and depth, it depicts the immense emotional or physical impact of significant events.[29] (2) A metaphor for the overwhelming nature of worldly existence and challenges faced.[30] (3) A reference to the expansiveness and significance of divine presence as perceived during the worship of the goddess.[31] (4) A vast body of salt water, significantly large, representing one of the major bodies of water associated with the earth.[32] (5) A vast body of water that is involved in numerous rituals and holds significant symbolic meaning in the provided text.[33]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The vast body of water into which Aurva's wrath is to be cast, symbolizing containment and balance.[34] (2) The vast body of water that Rama and his forces needed to cross in their journey.[35] (3) A metaphor for the external sea of air, suggesting a vastness where life mingles post-death.[36] (4) A vast body of water that serves as a setting for significant events in the narrative, representing nature's power.[37] (5) A vast body of water that symbolizes insatiability, as it is never satisfied with the rivers it receives.[38]
From: The Padma Purana
(1) The entity from which Jalandhara was born, who was concerned about his son's well-being and welfare.[39] (2) A metaphorical representation of immense joy growing with the arrival of a loved one, illustrating emotional depth.[40] (3) The vast body of water where Vishnu undertakes his form of a Fish to combat a demon and recover the Vedas.[41] (4) A metaphor for the cycle of mundane existence that one crosses through devotion and good actions, similar to being on a raft.[42] (5) Refers to the vast body of saltwater that is often symbolic of depth, mystery, and the divine in religious texts.[43]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The personification of the ocean with a regal form, referred to in the context of the story and its relationship to the earth.[44] (2) A symbol representing the universe or the cosmic consciousness, where various realities coexist.[45] (3) The expanse of water where the Eternal Hari engaged in creative activities and experiences.[46] (4) The body of water near Kushasthali which adds to the beauty and charm of the city.[47] (5) Symbolizing vastness and depth, often used to describe the divine or cosmic principles.[48]
From: The Brahma Purana
(1) Symbolically requested by Krishna for the creation of the city of Dvaraka.[49] (2) The vast body of water that borders the southern, western, and eastern edges of Bharata.[50] (3) The vast sea that Krishna interacted with, which clarified that the son of Sandipani had not been taken by it but rather by an asura.[51] (4) The vast body of water where the mystic diagram is to be drawn.[52] (5) The sea that surrounded Dvaraka but did not engulf the house of the most excellent one among the descendants of Yadu.[53]
From: The Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A metaphorical expression depicting the vastness of existence and the divine intervention during times of calamity.[54] (2) A vast cosmic expanse that contains significant revelations and divine interactions.[55] (3) The vast body of water where the fight between Bhagavan Shauri and the Danavas, Madhu and Kaitabha, took place.[56] (4) The primordial source from which the world and its various forms of life were brought forth.[57]
From: The Brahmanda Purana
(1) A metaphor for steadfastness; used to describe the reliability and authority of a preceptor.[58] (2) The sea that Karttavirya interacted with, creating disturbances reminiscent of divine events, such as the churning of the ocean.[59] (3) The vast body of water that the narrative describes, playing a key role in the submersion and subsequent restoration of lands.[60]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The primordial waters where Narayana lay before creation began.[61] (2) The vast, dark region associated with formidable challenges that Ravana overcame.[62]
From: The Markandeya Purana
(1) The vast body of water that borders the southern, western, and eastern parts of Bharata.[63] (2) The vast body of water that the streams of the Ganges eventually flow into, as they reach the northern regions.[64]
From: The Bhagavata Purana
(1) Symbolizes the vast waters in which the earth was submerged, representing a challenge to its recovery.[65]
From: The Sanatsujatiya
(1) The result of rivers flowing in various directions, symbolizing the vastness and interconnectedness of existence.[66]
From: The Anugita
(1) The great ocean symbolizes the vastness and unfathomable nature of existence, associated with delusion and life’s complexities.[67]
From: The Shiva Purana
(1) A figurative representation of escape or death that Mena considers due to her heartbreak over her daughter's situation.[68]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A metaphor representing the infinite reach and comprehensiveness of the divine intellect.[69]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) The large body of water near which the city of Bhandasura is situated.[70]
From: The Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) The final destination of the fish, where it nearly filled the vast expanse due to its increasing size.[71]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A vast and deep expanse used as a metaphor to suggest the enormity and overwhelming nature of the army.[72] (2) Refers to the vast body of water, symbolizing the magnitude of the flood that Shesha was combating.[73] (3) A metaphorical representation of significant challenges or troubles faced.[74] (4) A vast expanse of water, here used metaphorically to represent the overwhelming force of devastation.[75] (5) The vast body of water from which Lord Krishna is said to have emerged after defeating the demon.[76]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A reference to the vast body of water where the search for the spiritual master's son took place.[77] (2) A metaphor for the Supreme Brahman, representing the vast and all-encompassing nature of divinity.[78] (3) An analogy used to represent the expansive and profound nature of the pastimes of Shri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.[79]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The specific location where the speaker had a darshana of Bhagavan, which is emphasized as a significant and awe-inspiring place.[80] (2) A metaphor used to illustrate vastness, often in comparison to smaller entities like a pond.[81] (3) Symbolic representation of the vastness and richness of the teachings found within Shrimad-Bhagavatam.[82]
From: Ashtavakra Gita
(1) A metaphor representing the infinite and undisturbed nature of pure consciousness.[83]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) A metaphorical representation of the vast complexities and challenges in human existence.[84]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A metaphor indicating the depth of the knowledge of the Supreme Reality, illustrating its profound nature.[85]
From: Narayaniya (Narayaneeyam)
(1) The great ocean symbolizes the source of all waters, paralleling the Purusha as the singular source of life.[86] (2) Symbolically represents a vast source of spiritual knowledge that is ultimately united with Lord Narayana.[87]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A reference point indicating a vast and powerful force of nature in spiritual contexts.[88]
Jain concept of 'Great oceans'
In Jainism, the Great Ocean symbolizes the overwhelming challenges of life and the transformative journey toward spiritual perfection, representing the vastness of samsara, which one must navigate and ultimately renounce to achieve liberation.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A metaphorical representation of the vastness and depth of samsara.[89] (2) The largest body of water in the Middle World, referred to as Svayambhuramana.[90]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) A metaphor for the overwhelming nature of life's challenges, understood to be surmountable once one has crossed over significant emotional and attachment barriers.[91] (2) A metaphor for the vast challenges and transformative experiences one must navigate on the way to spiritual perfection.[92]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) Symbolizes the vast and difficult journey of existence (samsara) that should be renounced.[93]
The concept of 'Great oceans' in local and regional sources
The Great Ocean symbolizes the depths of Bahu-Bhutaya's love as he risks everything to find healing water for his wife, ultimately leading to his tragic fate, highlighting the theme of sacrifice in their journey.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The vast body of water that Bahu-Bhutaya ventures into in search of healing water for his wife, illustrating the gravity of his love and ultimately leading to his demise.[94]