法句譬喻經 3.p8

3.p8

“The office of the Sun is to give light; the office of a Father, to be kind, and compassionate; the office of a Ruler is to restrain and govern; the office of a Man of Reason (religious man) is to listen to instruction; a physician concerns himself with prolonging the life of men; a warrior desires victory; and so Religion (the Law) resides in the possession of wisdom. A happy walk through life is the gladness of the world; a friend is for consultation; the choice of a companion is for the occasion which requires him; to behold the beauty of women is the joy of the chamber; the proof of wisdom is in speaking; to be a Ruler one must be able to discriminate rightly; to dispel doubt and error, one must exercise the light of supreme wisdom (Bōdhi); to search out the foundation of rest and quiet, one must be able faithfully to hold (observe) the Treasures of the Law (the Scriptures). He who hears is able to be of advantage to the present world, his wife, children, and friends, and in the next world to arrive at perfect happiness. Still hearing, he arrives at the perfection of sacred knowledge, and is able to discriminate and explain the secrets of Truth; and thus he governs himself without transgression; receiving the Law, he extols that which is right, and so obtains release from all (moral) disease, he dissipates all the causes of sorrow and pain, he excludes all possibility of misfortune or calamity, he is always successful in finding a ground for peace and comfort: such are the consequences following in the life of one who hears much' (the Śrāvaka).”