4.
The Discourse on Milk
127.
He was dwelling at Sāvatthī, etc.
"This wandering in the round of rebirths, monks, is without discernible beginning.
A first point is not discerned of beings hindered by ignorance, fettered by craving, transmigrating and wandering in the round of rebirths.
What do you think, monks, which is more, the mother's milk drunk by you while transmigrating and wandering in the round of rebirths during this long period of time, or the water in the four great oceans?"
"As we understand the Teaching expounded by the Blessed One, venerable sir, this indeed is more, venerable sir, the mother's milk drunk by us while transmigrating and wandering in the round of rebirths during this long period of time, not the water in the four great oceans."
"Good, good, monks, good indeed that you, monks, understand the Teaching expounded by me thus. This indeed, monks, is more, the mother's milk drunk by you while transmigrating and wandering in the round of rebirths during this long period of time, not the water in the four great oceans. What is the reason for this? This wandering in the round of rebirths, monks, is without discernible beginning, etc. enough to become liberated." The fourth.