法苑珠林 48.53

48.53

Though one recites a thousand words, / If one does not practice, what is the benefit? / It is not as good as hearing once, / Diligently cultivating and attaining benefit. / Though one recites a thousand words, / If the phrases and meanings are not right, / It is not as good as one essential point, / Which, when heard, can extinguish [deluded] thoughts. / Though one recites a thousand words, / If there is no righteousness, what is the benefit? / It is not as good as a single meaning, / Which, when heard and practiced, brings salvation. / Though one recites a thousand words, / If there is no respect, what is the benefit? / It is not as good as a single practice, / Joyfully upheld and cultivated. / Though one recites a thousand words, / If the notion of 'I' is not eradicated, / It is not as good as a single sentence / Abandoning arrogance and indolence. / Though one recites a thousand words, / Seeking fame ever more clinging, / It is not as good as a single exposition / Relinquishing attachment and parting from grasping. / Though one recites a thousand words, / If one does not wish to eliminate sins, / It is not as good as a single text / For parting from birth and death. / Though one recites a thousand words, / If physical passions grow even firmer, / It is not as good as a single realization / In which mind and objective realm forget all thought. / Though one recites a thousand words, / Without seeking to transcend the world, / It is not as good as a single awakening / Utterly severing oneself from the three realms. / Though one recites a thousand words, / Free of compassion and wisdom, / It is not as good as hearing once, / Benefiting both oneself and others.