法句譬喻經 31.p1.2

31.p1.2

and on Rahula replying in the negative, because the water was defiled with dust and dirt, Buddha added: “And such is your case, for although you are my son, and the grandchild of the King, although you have voluntarily given up everything to become a Shaman, nevertheless you are unable to guard your tongue from untruth and the defilement of loose conversation, and so you are like this defiled water—useful for no further purpose.” And again he asked him, after the water had been thrown away, whether the vessel was now fit for holding water for drink; to which Rahula replied, “No,” for the vessel is still defiled, and is known as an unclean thing, and therefore not used for any purpose such as that indicated; to which Buddha again replied, “And such is your case, by not guarding your tongue, etc., you are known and recognised as unfit for any high purpose, although you profess to be a Shaman.” And then once more lifting the empty basin on to his foot, and whirling it round and round, he asked Rahula if he were not afraid lest it should fall and be broken; to which Rahula replied that he had no such fear, for the vessel was but a cheap and common one, and therefore its loss would be a matter of small moment.