Some educational examples.

For educational purposes.
A Maya Fluid simulation controls the nParticle simulation as a force field.
Mental ray render.

 

For educational purposes.
Grass (Paint Effects), Fluid, nParticle, a direct light, an ambient light, Env Ball for reflection, SSAO, DOF
Maya Viewport 2.0

 

For educational purposes.
Bullet Physics, Maya Fluid, nParticles.
Viewport 2.0