Nagasena Bhiksu Sutra 2.72

T 1670B Nāgasena Bhikṣu Sūtra

Part 2: Dialogues 2.72. Ocean

The king asked Nāgasena again, “There is the expression ‘ocean’. Is it because of the water or other reasons that it is called the ‘ocean’?”

Nāgasena replied, “It is called ocean by men, because there is just as much salt as water, and just as much water as salt.”

“Why is the ocean all of one taste, the taste of salt?”

“The water in the ocean is so salty because it has been so for a very long time, and because fishes, turtles and other insects make it dirty.”

“Excellent, Nāgasena.”