Shikshasamuccaya 159

159

sūtrāṇāṃ ca sadā + īkṣaṇād bodhi-satva-śikṣā-padāni hi prāyaḥ sūtreṣv eva dṛśyante | teṣu teṣu sūtra-anteṣu bodhi-satva-samudācārā bodhi-satva-śikṣā-padāni prajñaptāni + iti vacanāt | tasmāt tad-an-īkṣaṇe mā bhūd āpattim āpannasya + apy a-jñānād a-viratir iti sadā sūtra-darśanāya + ādaraḥ kāryaḥ | tad anena kalyāṇa-mitra-an-utsargeṇa sūtra-anta-darśanena ca sarvaḥ sad-dharma-parigraha ukto bhavati ||

And [this is also accomplished] through constantly consulting the sūtras, for the bodhisattva's training precepts are seen mostly in the sūtras alone, according to the statement: "In various sūtras the bodhisattva's modes of conduct and the bodhisattva's training precepts are laid down." Therefore, zeal should constantly be applied to studying the sūtras, lest through not consulting them, non-abstinence [from wrong] should occur even for someone who has committed an offense, because of ignorance. Thus, by not abandoning the virtuous friend and by studying the sūtras, the entire embrace of the true Dharma is said to be accomplished.