Significance of Great ocean
The keyphrase "Great ocean" is used across various spiritual traditions to symbolize vastness and depth. In Buddhism, it reflects the immense goodness from bodhicitta and the challenges of existence. Jainism views it as a metaphorical representation of life's overwhelming obstacles, while Tibetan Buddhism likens it to the vastness of Tibet. In Vaishnavism, it symbolizes the Supreme Being’s nature and the magnitude of existential challenges. Overall, the Great ocean serves as a powerful metaphor for the complexities and transformative experiences of spiritual journeys.
Synonyms: Vast sea, Immense ocean, Expansive ocean, Mighty ocean, Sea, Deep sea, Wide ocean
In Dutch: Grote oceaan; In Finnish: Suuri valtameri; In Spanish: Gran océano; In German: Großer Ozean; In Malay: Lautan perkasa; In Swedish: Stort hav; In French: Grand océan; In Portugese: Grande oceano; In Italian: Grande oceano; In Polish: Wielki 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 ocean'
The "Great ocean" in Buddhism symbolizes the vastness of dharmadhatu, illustrating the depth of wisdom, spiritual journeys, and the boundless nature of existence, contrasting human limitations with profound truths and qualities within the Buddha's teachings.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The arhats and pratyekabuddhas are like a bushel of melted butter which, although shiny, is only the foam of the great ocean.[1] (2) The text mentions the great ocean of samsara, which the Bodhisattva is said to have now left after taking seven steps.[2] (3) The great ocean is used as an analogy to describe the Mahayana, which can encompass all vehicles, in contrast to the Hinayana, which is described as narrow.[3] (4) Metaphor for the vast and incomprehensible nature of existence beyond mortal understanding.[4] (5) The expansive body of water where various marine life, including the classified sizes of fish, interact and feed on each other.[5]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) This is the vast body of water that the young man attempts to drain in order to recover his lost treasure, highlighting the challenge and the young man's determination.[6] (2) The vast sea that serves as the setting for the shipwreck and subsequent adventures of the merchants.[7] (3) A symbolic depiction of the vast and perilous challenges faced in life's journey, representing both physical and spiritual trials.[8] (4) Symbolizes the vast and perilous journey performed by the merchant Dharmalabdha as he seeks prosperity.[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: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]
(1) A vast body of water, used as a metaphor, and is filled with world-spheres as numerous as the grains of sand in the river Ganga, used to illustrate the vastness of the sphere of living beings.[12]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—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) A metaphor illustrating the capacity of the Conqueror's teachings to maintain purity by quickly removing impurities, akin to how a corpse is cast out of the ocean.[18] (2) Symbolically represents the vastness and power of nature, which trembles in response to the extraordinary giving of King Vessantara.[19] (3) A large body of water that exhibits movement and sounds due to the powerful forces like wind.[20] (4) A metaphor used to illustrate the impartial and non-emotional nature of the Tathagatas in their decisions.[21] (5) 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.[22]
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.[23] (2) The vast body of water discussed in the text, characterized by its strange and wonderful attributes.[24]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) This is the body of water that was troubled at a certain moment, along with the hills resounded and the earth quaked, as described in the text.[25] (2) A vast body of water that the roc-king could divide with the force of its wings, illustrating its immense power.[26]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) The body of water that the minister Arittha crosses to complete his mission to bring the great Bodhi-tree.[27]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) A metaphorical representation in the teachings, illustrating qualities of depth, consistency, and purity found in both the ocean and the Buddhist doctrine.[28]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Used as an analogy to depict the immense reservoir of goodness flowing from bodhicitta.[29] (2) Symbolically represents the vastness of existence where the challenges of attaining human birth are visualized.[30]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The great ocean was crossed by the Bodhisat, as described in the birth-story of Mahajanaka, demonstrating exertion.[31]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A comparison made to describe the Land of Snows (Tibet) as vast and deserving of praise.[32]
Hindu concept of 'Great ocean'
In Hinduism, the "Great ocean" symbolizes vastness, balance, and the primordial source of life. It serves as a metaphor for the spiritual journey, divine interactions, and the challenges inherent in worldly existence.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The great ocean is described as the stomach of the Deity, representing his vastness and capacity.[33] (2) This is a geographical reference, possibly a metaphorical boundary, where a past event took place.[34] (3) This term describes the ocean, highlighting its vastness and significance as a geographical feature in the story, emphasizing the environment.[35] (4) The vast body of water into which Aurva's wrath is to be cast, symbolizing containment and balance.[36] (5) The vast body of water that Rama and his forces needed to cross in their journey.[37]
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.[38] (2) A symbol representing the universe or the cosmic consciousness, where various realities coexist.[39] (3) The expanse of water where the Eternal Hari engaged in creative activities and experiences.[40] (4) The body of water near Kushasthali which adds to the beauty and charm of the city.[41] (5) Symbolizing vastness and depth, often used to describe the divine or cosmic principles.[42]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A metaphorical expression depicting the vastness of existence and the divine intervention during times of calamity.[43] (2) A vast cosmic expanse that contains significant revelations and divine interactions.[44] (3) The vast body of water where the fight between Bhagavan Shauri and the Danavas, Madhu and Kaitabha, took place.[45] (4) The primordial source from which the world and its various forms of life were brought forth.[46]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Some grow afar from the great ocean of the Divine Spirit; as the grass and weeds of the earth.[47] (2) The inquiry seeks to identify the great man who has overcome the challenges of the world, and whose exemplary conduct leads to freedom from misery.[48] (3) This is the ocean of eternity, from whose current the speaker has escaped, representing a state of transcendence over time.[49] (4) A metaphor representing the infinite reach and comprehensiveness of the divine intellect.[50]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The great ocean was identified alongside the Prasravana Mountain by the ascetic after transporting the monkeys outside the cave.[51] (2) The primordial waters where Narayana lay before creation began.[52] (3) The vast, dark region associated with formidable challenges that Ravana overcame.[53]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The vast body of water that borders the southern, western, and eastern parts of Bharata.[54] (2) The vast body of water that the streams of the Ganges eventually flow into, as they reach the northern regions.[55]
From: Sanatsujatiya (English translation)
(1) The result of rivers flowing in various directions, symbolizing the vastness and interconnectedness of existence.[56]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) The great ocean symbolizes the vastness and unfathomable nature of existence, associated with delusion and life’s complexities.[57]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A vast and deep expanse used as a metaphor to suggest the enormity and overwhelming nature of the army.[58] (2) Refers to the vast body of water, symbolizing the magnitude of the flood that Shesha was combating.[59] (3) A metaphorical representation of significant challenges or troubles faced.[60] (4) A vast expanse of water, here used metaphorically to represent the overwhelming force of devastation.[61] (5) The vast body of water from which Lord Krishna is said to have emerged after defeating the demon.[62]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A reference to the vast body of water where the search for the spiritual master's son took place.[63] (2) A metaphor for the Supreme Brahman, representing the vast and all-encompassing nature of divinity.[64] (3) An analogy used to represent the expansive and profound nature of the pastimes of Shri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.[65]
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.[66] (2) A metaphor used to illustrate vastness, often in comparison to smaller entities like a pond.[67] (3) Symbolic representation of the vastness and richness of the teachings found within Shrimad-Bhagavatam.[68]
From: Ashtavakra Gita
(1) A metaphor representing the infinite and undisturbed nature of pure consciousness.[69]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) A metaphorical representation of the vast complexities and challenges in human existence.[70]
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.[71]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A reference point indicating a vast and powerful force of nature in spiritual contexts.[72]
Jain concept of 'Great ocean'
In Jainism, the Great Ocean symbolizes the vast, challenging journey of samsara, representing life’s overwhelming experiences and obstacles that, when overcome, lead to spiritual perfection and knowledge, similar in depth to the sage's wisdom.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A metaphorical representation of the vastness and depth of samsara.[73] (2) The largest body of water in the Middle World, referred to as Svayambhuramana.[74]
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.[75] (2) A metaphor for the vast challenges and transformative experiences one must navigate on the way to spiritual perfection.[76]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) Symbolizes the vast and difficult journey of existence (samsara) that should be renounced.[77]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) A symbol of vastness and depth, paralleling the sage’s limitless knowledge and emotion-free state.[78]
The concept of Great ocean in local and regional sources
The "Great ocean" represents a significant metaphorical body of water that Bahu-Bhutaya must cross for healing. It symbolizes life's ultimate journey towards perfection and divinity, illustrating a powerful connection to spiritual aspirations.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The metaphor used to describe the universal ocean of mankind, where each individual is like a whirlpool, yet still part of the whole.[79] (2) This represents the ultimate destination, symbolizing life, perfection, and God, towards which all things are inevitably drawn.[80]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The body of water Bahu-Bhutaya had to cross to obtain the water needed to cure his wife's supposed illness.[81]
The concept of Great ocean in scientific sources
Great ocean, according to regional sources, symbolizes a place of immense danger, comparable to a dense, wildfire-ridden forest filled with thieves and tigers, as metaphors for Parvati and Durga's trials.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Parvati and Durga— In a forest full of thieves, tigers and other (dangers)dense, raged with wildfires(and) in the middle of a great ocean.[82]