Significance of Great sea
Synonyms: Ocean, Sea, Abyss, Vast sea, Deep sea
In Dutch: Grote zee
In Finnish: Suuri meri
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 sea'
The "Great sea" in Buddhism symbolizes immense suffering, the depth of the Buddhadharma, vast knowledge, life's challenges, and the encompassing peace of Nirvana, illustrating how distinct knowledges unite into ultimate understanding through faith and practice.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A metaphor used to illustrate the concept of attachment and the loss of clarity or sanity when not withdrawing from incorrect views.[1] (2) A metaphor representing the unity of knowledge and experiences, where all rivers converge to share the same essence, akin to the merging of various knowledges into pure knowledge.[2] (3) A metaphor used to illustrate how distinct knowledges coalesce into one singular, ultimate knowledge, similar to rivers flowing into the ocean.[3] (4) A metaphor for the Prajnaparamita, illustrating its capacity to retain all teachings like the sea receives rivers.[4] (5) A metaphorical representation of the vast challenges the ascetic faces during spiritual practice.[5]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Large bodies of water surrounding the regions mentioned, specifically alluding to the expanses that are found in Jambudvipa, which adds to the geographical context of the discussion.[6] (2) A metaphor for the vastness and depth of the Buddhadharma, implying that only through faith can one truly enter and understand it.[7]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) A metaphor for the vast and encompassing peace of Great Nirvana, which transcends all worldly conditions.[8]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The vast water body that poses danger to the merchants, serving as a symbol of life's challenges.[9]
From: Avatamsaka Sutra (flower adornment sutra)—Preface
(1) Symbolizes vast and immeasurable knowledge, particularly in the context of the Buddha's virtues.[10]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fundamental vow sutra
(1) A metaphorical representation of the immense suffering experienced by beings due to karmic consequences.[11]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Symbolic representation of the vast and unpredictable nature of life and experiences as explored in the story.[12]
Hindu concept of 'Great sea'
In Hinduism, the Great Sea symbolizes vastness and divinity, encompassing numerous cosmic elements, sacred rituals, and significant mythological events, such as Rama's bridge and the challenges faced by kings and deities.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A metaphorical representation of the vast and overwhelming waters encountered during the cosmic dissolution.[13] (2) The destination towards which the fleeing Daityas proceeded, indicating a significant geographical or spiritual location.[14] (3) A reference to the ocean, which is treated as a sacred entity during rituals and prayers, symbolizing vastness and divinity.[15]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) A reference to the body of water from which Garuda drank up water and caused havoc.[16]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The body of water over which Rama had a bridge constructed to reach Lanka.[17]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The ocean into which the river flows after passing beyond the mountains.[18]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) Refers to the vast body of water that poses challenges for the king in his quest.[19]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Refers to the vastness wherein countless Rudras are believed to exist, forming part of the cosmology.[20]
Jain concept of 'Great sea'
In Jainism, the term "Great Sea" signifies the two primary bodies of water: the Salt Sea and the Kaloda Sea, representing significant geographical features in the religious context and symbolism.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Refers to the two major bodies of water, Salt Sea and Kaloda Sea, in the provided description.[21]
The concept of Great sea in local and regional sources
The Great Sea symbolizes decay and return to nature through the elephant's carcass, serves as a geographical feature, represents life's possibilities, and is a crucial setting for various challenges, such as swimming against a giant and retrieving a flower.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The location where Sigiris Sinno is challenged to swim against the giant for a span of eight days.[22] (2) The ocean from which Bahu-Bhutaya was instructed to fetch water to cure the woman's illness.[23] (3) A metaphorical representation of life’s vast possibilities; the rich man chooses to launch the ship into the great sea.[24] (4) A significant location where the Prince is sent to retrieve the Blue-lotus flower.[25] (5) The final destination of the Elephant's carcass, symbolizing the inevitable decay and return to nature.[26]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) The body of water that borders the country on three sides.[27] (2) The body of water bordering the country of Samotata, indicative of its coastal geography.[28]