Significance of Ocean
Synonyms: Sea, Expanse, Water body, Abyss, Deep blue, Blue
In Swedish: Hav; In Dutch: Oceaan; In Finnish: Valtameri; In Spanish: 翱肠茅补苍辞; In German: Ozean; In Malay: Lautan; In French: 翱肠茅补苍
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'
In Buddhism, "Ocean" serves as a metaphor for vast wisdom and understanding, illustrating the depth of enlightenment and self-sacrifice, while also symbolizing the futility of seeking refuge in illusions against the inevitability of death.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Symbolizes a vast space where one might think to hide, yet it too offers no refuge from death.[1]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) A metaphor used to illustrate the concept of understanding things that have not been directly experienced, comparing the ocean to the Buddha.[2]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The vast body of water that the young brahman seeks to drain in pursuit of his treasure.[3]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) In the metaphor used, the ocean represents the vastness and depth of wisdom, with the Bodhisattva exemplifying self-sacrifice.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Ocean'
In Hinduism, the Ocean symbolizes vastness, abundance, and the depths of creation. It serves as a significant metaphorical entity, representing everything from spiritual journeys to the challenges faced by deities and the intricate connections within nature.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A large body of salt water that will overflow and flood Dvaraka City when Lord Krishna departs.[5] (2) A large body of saltwater that, in the verse, is described metaphorically as part of the earth's adornment.[6] (3) A large body of water, symbolically referenced here as a destination that the women are rushing towards, akin to how rivers flow into the ocean.[7] (4) The setting for the event of churning mentioned in the text.[8] (5) The location where the Dvaraka fort was built.[9]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A large body of salt water from which the nectar was extracted.[10] (2) The large body of salt water that covers most of the Earth's surface, often used as a reference point for waves.[11] (3) The body of water from which Kamala is said to appear directly in the text.[12] (4) The large body of water next to which Mahaprabhu sometimes danced.[13] (5) The vast body of salt water that covers a significant part of the Earth's surface, representing depth and expansiveness.[14]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A large body of salt water that covers most of the Earth's surface; compared in the text to the process of nourishment.[15] (2) A large body of water that evokes feelings of pain due to its association with dominant destructive forces like fire.[16] (3) The destination for the flute as it enters on the waves, representing vastness and freedom.[17] (4) Symbolizes depth and complexity, representing the nature of a deep heart.[18]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Refers to the body of water, which Shri Govinda-deva mistook for the Yamuna, symbolizing confusion or misperception.[19] (2) A vast body of water that symbolizes depth and mystery, prompting Shri Krishna to reflect on reality and illusion.[20]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Ocean is a entity that is described as high-thoughted and is asked for help by Raghu's son.[21] (2) The ocean is mentioned as the place where Mainaka resides and where the shadow of the Vanar is cast.[22] (3) Ocean appears in a majestic form from the seething flood, described as the king of brooks and seas.[23] (4) Ocean is the lord who did not come yet, but was eventually threatened by Rama for not fulfilling a request.[24] (5) This is a place where monsters are caught and taken to their lair, indicating a significant body of water.[25]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The vast body of water where Manu eventually takes the fish, indicating its ultimate habitat.[26] (2) A vast and powerful body of water filled with numerous creatures, described as agitated by the wind and home to various beings.[27] (3) The vast body of water that is to be churned, symbolizing the depths of the unconscious and the source of creation.[28]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The body of water into which the Ganges ultimately flows.[29]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A metaphor used to describe the vast and deep appearance of the sky covered with heavy clouds.[30]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) One of the entities consulted about holding Brahma's head; unable to do so, it expresses the intention to go dry.[31]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara鈥檚 Commentary
(1) A metaphor for the ultimate reality into which individual identities dissolve.[32]
From: Ashtavakra Gita
(1) A metaphor for the infinite self, contrasting with the temporary nature of objects likened to waves.[33]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Symbolized as Nidhana, the final aspect of water that serves as the repository for all waters.[34]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The fourth part of Brahman's foot, symbolizing vastness and depth.[35]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Symbolizes a greater entity that receives smaller bodies of water, representing a source of ultimate resting and support.[36] (2) The vast body of salt water, also a significant part of the receptacle of water.[37]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Large bodies of salt water mentioned in the context of the deities and nature.[38]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A metaphor representing the long journey of literary exploration taken by the author and their colleagues.[39] (2) A reference point for the occurrence of motifs within Hindu fiction, indicating a rich source of storytelling examples.[40]
From: Hitopadesha (English translation)
(1) The entity that overhears the conversation and ends up washing away the Hen-bird's nest and eggs.[41]
Jain concept of 'Ocean'
In Jainism, the term "Ocean" represents both a geographical delimiter surrounding various regions like Bharatavarsha and reflects the boundaries of authority, as seen in Kumarapala's rule, symbolizing the extent of his dominion.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The western boundary of Kumarapala's projected rule, symbolizing the extent of his power.[42]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The ocean surrounds several of the regions, specifically Bharatavarsha, Haimavatavarsha, Harivarsha, Videhavarsha, Ramyakavarsha, Hairanyavatavarsha, and Airavatavarsha, on the east and west sides.[43]
The concept of Ocean in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Ocean" symbolizes vastness, depth, and a source of wisdom beyond surface appearances. It represents both a spiritual and philosophical journey, invoking divine grace and the interconnectedness of existence while illustrating the complexity of human understanding.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) He says, "Out of the ocean of milk of the Vedas, Vyasa has churned this butter of philosophy, the better to help mankind."[44] (2) This is where the mind is like, in which a wave rises, but although the man sees the wave, he does not know how the wave came there, whence its birth, or whither it melts down again.[45] (3) The ocean is what the writer cleared with Mother's blessings, and this shows the writer's strong belief in the power of divine grace and its ability to overcome obstacles.[46] (4) The ocean is the tremendous stream that is flowing towards, carrying us all along with it.[47] (5) The ocean is a concept to be observed, urging the viewer to shift their focus beyond the surface level and into a deeper understanding.[48]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Symbolizes vastness and greatness, compared to a river which may only seem grand until the ocean is known.[49]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Symbolically represents the vastness and depth of experience and feeling, particularly in relation to the dark themes described.[50]
From: Sanskrit Words In Southeast Asian Languages
(1) Ocean refers to a large body of saltwater, which is represented by the term Abdhi, as indicated in the text, a significant geographical feature.[51]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) The ocean is where the tide is rising, which, along with the waxing light of the moon, made blood-letting dangerous.[52]