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Udanavarga 3.16

法句譬喻經 3.16

Language
Classical Chinese

3.16

「自愛身者,慎護所守,希望欲解,
學正不寐。身為第一,常自勉學,
利能誨人,不惓則智。學先自正,
然後正人,調身入慧,必遷為上。
身不能利,安能利人?心調體正,
何願不至?本我所造,後我自受,
為惡自更,如剛鑽珠。」

“If a man love himself, let him carefully protect that which he is so anxious about (i.e., himself). If he hope to be delivered from carnal desire, let him learn the right way without indolence (sleep). Himself, this is the first consideration; let him put forth his own power and attain wisdom. Profiting (himself in this way), he may then instruct others. Unwearied in his efforts, he will then gain wisdom. The enlightened man will first govern himself, then in due time he will be able to govern others. Regulating his own conduct (himself), and entering (on the domain of) true wisdom, he must necessarily ascend to the highest place (i.e., become eminent). But if one cannot improve (profit) oneself, how can such an one benefit others; and, on the other hand, what desire (vow) may not be accomplished when oneself is able to lord it rightly over oneself? That which I now do in my body, hereafter shall I myself receive; if I do evil, myself will cause the more, as the steel drill bores the gem.”

Samuel Beal, Texts from the Buddhist Canon commonly known as Dhammapada, with accompanying narratives

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