Significance of Ocean of samsara
The Ocean of samsara represents the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth across various traditions, symbolizing a continuum filled with suffering and attachment. It serves as a metaphor for existence that beings strive to transcend, highlighting the spiritual journey towards liberation. In Buddhism and other philosophies, this cycle emphasizes the need for guidance and spiritual practice to navigate and escape the hardships of worldly life. Ultimately, the Ocean of samsara encapsulates the struggles faced by souls seeking enlightenment.
Synonyms: Cycle of rebirth, Wheel of life, Cycle of existence, Realm of suffering, Endless cycle, Sea of suffering, Cyclic existence, Worldly existence, Ocean of existence, Cycle of samsara.
In Dutch: Oceaan van samsara; In Finnish: Samsaran valtameri; In Spanish: Océano del samsara
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Ocean of samsara'
The "Ocean of samsara" in Buddhism symbolizes the overwhelming cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth characterized by suffering. Practitioners strive to transcend this cycle through diligent dharma practices and guidance from spiritual friends.
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that spiritual friends help to navigate and liberate beings from.[1] (2) The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that one seeks to transcend, highlighting the importance of the guru in this spiritual journey.[2] (3) A metaphor for the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth filled with suffering, from which beings seek liberation.[3] (4) A metaphor for the cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth in Buddhist teachings that one aims to transcend.[4] (5) A metaphor indicating the vast and overwhelming nature of the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in which beings find themselves.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A metaphorical representation of the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Buddhist philosophy, which Bodhisattas seek to understand and transcend through Wisdom.[6] (2) The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that beings traverse; a significant theme in Buddhist teachings.[7]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that beings experience.[8]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) The continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that practitioners aim to transcend through the diligent practice of dharma.[9] (2) The cycle of birth, old age, sickness, and death that beings aspire to transcend through dharma.[10]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that practitioners aim to transcend through proper teachings and practices.[11]
Hindu concept of 'Ocean of samsara'
The Ocean of Samsara in Hinduism symbolizes the cyclical nature of birth, death, and rebirth, representing the trials of existence that ultimately require spiritual practice and devotion for liberation from suffering and material entrapment.
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A metaphor for the cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth that souls traverse until liberation.[12] (2) Metaphor for the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that souls undergo in the material world.[13] (3) A metaphor for the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth; represents the material world and the suffering associated with it.[14] (4) A metaphorical representation of the cycle of life, death, and rebirth that one is plunged into, seeking wisdom to cross it.[15] (5) The metaphorical representation of the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that Jivas aim to transcend.[16]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The metaphorical representation of the cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth that individuals must cross to attain liberation.[17] (2) A metaphor for the cycle of birth, life, and death that devotees seek to transcend through spirituality.[18] (3) Represents the cycle of birth, death, and reincarnation that devotees aspire to transcend through devotion.[19] (4) A metaphor for the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that beings go through, which is filled with suffering and desires.[20]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The cycle of birth, life, and rebirth in Hindu philosophy; the context emphasizes the importance of performing the marriage rite for spiritual success.[21] (2) A metaphorical representation of the cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth, from which the deity is asked to redeem devotees.[22] (3) The cycle of life, death, and rebirth; a state of existence that is beseeched for escape through the worship of deities.[23]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The continuous cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth that one seeks to cross over through spiritual practices.[24]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that individuals are trapped in until they achieve liberation through devotion to Vishnu.[25]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that one strives to transcend through spiritual knowledge.[26] (2) A metaphorical representation of the cycle of birth and rebirth, described as having numerous obstacles that one must overcome.[27] (3) The cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth in which beings are trapped until liberation.[28]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The continuous cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth in Hindu and Buddhist philosophies, representing relative existence.[29] (2) The ocean of Samsara symbolizes the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, representing the continuous flow of life that one must navigate.[30]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The endless cycle of birth and rebirth that one must navigate and transcend for spiritual liberation.[31]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Metaphorical representation of the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, characterized by suffering and illusion, from which one seeks liberation.[32]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Symbolizing the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, indicating the tumultuous state of existence that souls navigate.[33]
From: Ashtavakra Gita
(1) The cyclical nature of birth, life, death, and rebirth that one aims to transcend.[34]
From: Kaivalya Upanishad
(1) The cycle of repeated transmigration or rebirth that one transcends through knowledge.[35]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) The continuous cycle of birth and rebirth that one seeks to transcend through spiritual practices and devotion.[36]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) This metaphorical term refers to the cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth in Hindu philosophy, representing the continuous flow of existence that one must navigate toward liberation.[37]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The ocean of Samsara symbolizes the overwhelming cycle of existence filled with trials and tribulations, which the Supreme Lord helps faithful followers to cross.[38] (2) A metaphor for the cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth that the speaker feels trapped within, separating them from the divine.[39] (3) Refers to the cycle of birth and rebirth in which the speaker feels submerged, emphasizing the need for divine rescue.[40] (4) A metaphorical representation of the cycle of birth and rebirth, indicating the worldly existence from which the speaker has been rescued.[41] (5) Symbolizes the vast cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that the Alvar must navigate, representing the struggles of earthly existence.[42]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The cycle of birth and death that souls undergo until they achieve liberation through spiritual practice and devotion.[43]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) A metaphorical representation of the vast and turbulent nature of the cycle of life, death, and rebirth that individuals must navigate.[44]
Jain concept of 'Ocean of samsara'
The "Ocean of samsara" in Jainism symbolizes the challenging cycle of birth, death, and rebirth filled with suffering. It represents the struggles of existence, from which beings seek liberation and the difficulty of attaining a human birth.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The ocean of samsara represents the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth filled with suffering and challenges, making a human birth difficult to attain.[45] (2) The cycle of worldly existence filled with suffering, wherein Rauhineya sought guidance for liberation.[46] (3) A metaphor for the cycle of birth and rebirth, representing the struggles of existence from which one seeks to escape.[47] (4) A metaphorical representation of the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Buddhist philosophy, filled with suffering.[48] (5) A metaphorical representation of the difficult cycle of birth, death, and rebirth which the beings seek to escape from.[49]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) The cycle of suffering and existence from which Balashri wishes to detach himself, filled with birth, old age, and death.[50] (2) A metaphor for the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that souls navigate.[51]
The concept of Ocean of samsara in local and regional sources
The Ocean of samsara symbolizes the endless cycle of birth, life, and death in Hindu philosophy, emphasizing the perpetual journey of the soul through reincarnation and its continuous existence across lifetimes.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A metaphor for the cycle of birth, life, and death in Hindu philosophy, reflecting the continuous existence of the soul.[52]