經律異相 17.21

17.21

雖誦千章　句義不正　不如一要
聞可滅意　雖誦千言　不義何益
不如一義　聞行可度　雖多誦經
不解何益　解一法句　行可得道

"Though one recites a thousand chapters, / If the meaning of the phrases is not correct, / It is not as good as a single essential [verse] / Hearing which one can extinguish the [defiled] mind. / Though one recites a thousand words, / If they are not righteous, what is the benefit? / It is not as good as a single righteous teaching / Hearing and practicing which brings deliverance. / Though one recites many scriptures, / If one does not understand, what is the benefit? / Understanding a single phrase of Dharma, / By practicing it one can attain the Way."