SN15.3 — Assu Sutta
The Buddha was residing at Sāvatthī. Disciples, this cycle of rebirths is without a discernible beginning. No first point is found of beings roaming and wandering on, hindered by ignorance and fettered by craving. What do you think which is greater: the tears you have shed while roaming and wandering on this long journey: crying and weeping from being united with the disagreeable and separated from the agreeable: or the water in the four great oceans?
As we understand the Dhamma taught by the Blessed One, venerable sir, the tears we have shed while roaming and wandering on this long journey: crying and weeping from being united with the disagreeable and separated from the agreeable: are indeed greater than the water in the four great oceans.
Good, good, disciples! It is good that you understand the Dhamma taught by me in this way. The tears you have shed while roaming and wandering on this long journey: crying and weeping from being united with the disagreeable and separated from the agreeable: are indeed greater than the water in the four great oceans. For a long time you have experienced the death of a mother; for a long time, the death of a father; for a long time, the death of a brother; for a long time, the death of a sister; for a long time, the death of a son; for a long time, the death of a daughter; for a long time, the loss of relatives; for a long time, the loss of wealth; for a long time, the loss through illness. While experiencing these losses, you have shed more tears than there is water in the four great oceans.
Why is that? Because this cycle of rebirths is without a discernible beginning. Therefore it is enough to become disenchanted with all formations, enough to become dispassionate, enough to be liberated.