The blood one has shed from being slaughtered or beheaded in transmigration is greater than the waters in the oceans.
Dwelling in Rajagaha, in the Bamboo Grove. Then thirty bhikkhus from Paveyyaka, all forest dwellers, all alms-food eaters, all rag-robe wearers, owning just three robes, yet all bound by fetters, approached the Blessed One. Having approached, after paying homage to the Blessed One, they sat on one side.
Then it occurred to the Blessed One: "These thirty bhikkhus from Paveyyaka are all forest dwellers, all alms-food eaters, all rag-robe wearers, owning just three robes, yet all bound by fetters. Perhaps I should teach them the Dhamma in such a way that, right here on these seats, without taking up anything further, their minds might be released from the taints."
Then the Blessed One addressed the bhikkhus: "Bhikkhus."
"Venerable Sir," those bhikkhus replied to the Blessed One. The Blessed One said:
"This samsara is without discoverable beginning, bhikkhus. A first point is not discerned of beings hindered by ignorance and fettered by craving, running through this cycle of continuation.
What do you think, bhikkhus, which is more: the blood you have shed while running and wandering this long, long journey, being slaughtered as cows, buffaloes, sheep, chickens, and pigs, or the water in the four great oceans?"
"As we understand the Dhamma taught by the Blessed One, this is more: the blood we have shed while running and wandering this long, long journey, being slaughtered as cows, buffaloes, sheep, chickens, and pigs, not the water in the four great oceans."
"Good, good, bhikkhus. It is good that you understand the Dhamma taught by me in this way. Indeed, bhikkhus, the blood you have shed while running and wandering this long, long journey, being slaughtered as cows, buffaloes, sheep, chickens, and pigs, is more, not the water in the four great oceans. For a long time, bhikkhus, you have experienced the slaughter of being cows, buffaloes, sheep, chickens, pigs... For a long time, bhikkhus, you have experienced the slaughter of being robbers, highway murderers, adulterers, shedding blood. For a long time, bhikkhus, you have been robbers, murderers, adulterers, shedding blood, not the water in the four great oceans.
Why is that? This samsara is without discoverable beginning... enough for liberation."
Thus spoke the Blessed One. Delighted, those bhikkhus rejoiced in what the Blessed One had said. And while this exposition was being given, the minds of the thirty bhikkhus from Paveyyaka were released from the taints through non-clinging.
Liberation of the mind requires the voice of another and a rational application of mind. While it is not easy for beings bound by multitude of desires to see this clearly, neither it is difficult. As one diligently cultivates to train their mind, along with learning the teachings of the Buddha by active reflection and independent verification (close examination, checking for any assumptions), one gradually awakens to the truth of enlightenment.
Related Teachings:
- Tears shed in transmigration (SN 15.3) - A similar discourse pointing to coming to terms with the cycle of continued existence that all beings undergo
- Gradual training, gradual practice and gradual progress (MN 107) - The Buddha shares the gradual training guidelines that as one gradually trains in, one sees gradual progress in the cultivation of the noble eightfold path.
- Analysis of the Eightfold Path (SN 45.8) - The noble eightfold path is presented with the interlinks. When this is gradually cultivated, the mind will cultivate right concentration (jhānas) and mindfulness to know clearly as everything has come to without misapprehensions.
